Villarreal suffered an unlucky 0-2 defeat to Celta de Vigo as the Galicians visited El Madrigal.
The Yellows were dominant throughout the match but it was the away side that took their few chances leaving the home side in shock as their unlikely goals found the back of the net.
The impressive and intensive season by the Submarines had taken its toll on the team as yet again the yellows were without Uche and Cani. Sergio Asenjo was also forced to watch on from the side lines as Villarreal continued to press for a Champions League place. As expected, the game was scrappy from the beginning, with both teams fighting for the ball in midfield. Mario had the first real oppitunity as he claimed the ball on the half way line. After cutting inside he launched a powerful effort which Yoel barely managed to hold on to.
Vigo’s stopper was hardly bored throughout the first half as Villarreal began to dominate. Giovani Dos Santos had a shot from the edge of the box held. Seconds later he was through on goal but sent his left-footed effort just wide of the near post. The Mexican further caused problems for the away side as he was controversially brought down ten minutes before the break. As he turned the Vigo defence, his marker Hugo Mallo shoved and tripped him on the edge of the box, but the referee refused to give anything.
Tied at half time, the home side ended the half the stronger side. The Yellows began the second half, even more pumped. Villarreal had pace and determination to see the game through Celta meanwhile retreated into their own half. Fifteen minutes into the second half, Pina tried his luck from outside the box with a great shot that just swerved past the post. Villarreal were fully in control. Every time the ball was lost it was recovered with incredible ease, but frustratingly could not find the net.
In the 76th minute, Nahuel launched the ball through to Perbet. The Frenchmen found himself through on goal with only Yoel left to beat. His touch was too strong as the ball slipped from grasp and was left safely in the keeper’s arms Celta, who had only 4 chances the whole match earned a soft free kick on the edge of Villarreal’s penalty box. As the ball was curled in, Alex Lopez Orellana, who had not troubled the goalkeeper yet, glanced the ball into the back of the net. In the 88th minute Nolito sent a curling free kick flying past Juan Carlos into the top left corner and ended a day that Villarreal will want to forget.
