Celta fought back in the second half after Alberto Moreno’s opener and denied the Submarine the win
Villarreal were unable to get three points in a hard-fought match where each piece of play felt like the game was about to end, as the win was crucial for both team’s league hopes. Unai Emery’s men drew against Celta at Balaídos (1-1) in the league, before facing Manchester United at La Cerámica on Tuesday. The Yellows lined up without Sergio Asenjo, Arnaut Danjuma, Paco Alcácer and Étienne Capoue, who were injured, but the Submarine still went for the game from the first minute. Finally, their hard work did not get the reward they would have hoped for, and Villarreal had to make do with the draw.
The first chance of the game went to Dani Parejo, who tried to score with a volley with Dituro off his line. Rubén Peña then had a headed opportunity, but his effort was not powerful enough. Villarreal continued to push forward, and the goal came when Parejo capitalised on a Dituro error, with the Celta keeper not getting the ball under control, before the midfielder played in Alberto Moreno, who only had to push the ball into the back of the net.
The Yellows weren’t willing to sit on their lead, and they had a number of chances before half-time, Boulaye Dia tried to surprise the home side with an effort from the edge of the box, and just later, the clearest chance of the first half came, but despite Pau and Manu Trigueros’ best efforts, Alfonso Pedraza’s cross was not deflected in. Trigueros and Dia also had more opportunities, but the home goalkeeper denied them both.
The opening of the second half saw Trigueros have more chances to score. The first of them came from a powerful shot that was going just inside the post, and the second was an effort after he attacked down the right. Celta also went close, with a Gallardo effort, which was one of their first real chances. With half an hour left, the Galician side grew into the game, getting more of the possession, with the Yellows adapting to the game and trying to cause problems through offensive transitions. Peña’s right-footed effort went close after Juan Foyth led a counter attack.
Celta got the equaliser after Fran Beltrán’s long-range effort was blocked by Rulli, with the rebound following to Brais Méndez. Villarreal continued trying to score, and Parejo had the best chance late on. However, the game ended with a draw and the Submarine are now focusing on Europe.
Next up for Villarreal is a Champions League group stage match on Tuesday 23rd November at the Estadio de la Cerámica against Manchester United.
Lineups:
RC Celta: Dituro; Kevin V., Aidoo Jr (m. 79, Fontán), Murillo (m. 46, Araujo), Javi Galán; Brais Méndez, Fran Beltrán (m. 85, Okay), Denis Suárez, Nolito (m. 62, Franco Cervi); Iago Aspas, S. Mina (m. 46, Tiago Gallardo).
Villarreal: Rulli; R. Peña (m. 69, Moi Gómez), R. Albiol, Pau, A. Pedraza; M. Trigueros (m. 69, Yeremy), Foyth (m. 82, Serge Aurier), Parejo, Alberto M. (m. 82, Chukwueze); Iborra, Dia (m. 82, Coquelin).
Goals: 0-1. Min. 26: Alberto Moreno. 1-1. Min. 71: Brais Méndez.
Referee: Alberola Rojas. Booked: Santi Mina (RC Celta); Juan Foyth (Villarreal).
Matchday information: Match corresponding to Matchday 14 of the 2021/22 LaLiga season between Real Club Celta de Vigo and Villarreal CF at the Estadio ABANCA Balaídos.
