Unai Emery’s men never gave up, despite being behind on the scoreboard
Villarreal drew (3-3) against Cádiz in a match where the Submarine’s commitment was clear. Despite dominating the game for the 90 minutes with 78% possession, they were behind on the scoreboard for long periods of the game, and had to fight back from a two-goal deficit (1-3) with hard work and persistence.
The first chance fell to Arnaut Danjuma, but the Dutchman failed to make proper contact with a Mario Gaspar cross. Only a minute later, Cádiz went ahead through Choco Lozano, who scored at the back post after an Álex Fernández ball into the box. Just after the halfway point of the first half, Danjuma and Paco Alcácer had the ball in the back of the net, but both goals were ruled out by the referee.
In the 43rd minute, Pau Torres beat Ledesma with an unstoppable header from a corner. However, Lozano put the Andalusian side ahead in added time, just when the Yellows were looking at their best.
Villarreal started the second half fired up. Ledesma made two great saves from Danjuma, both of which looked like they were going to be the equaliser, the first of them after a piece of brilliant individual skill from the Dutch winger, and the second with a shot from the edge of the area. A counter attack, however, once more ended in Lozano scoring, which was a massive setback mentally for the Yellows.
Emery’s men tried to fight back and continued pushing forward. Samu Chukwueze had a great chance, but his shot hit the post. With ten minutes left, Boulaye Dia, who had recently come on replacing Alcácer, scored a goal to give the home side hope, getting on the end of a Serge Aurier low cross. Danjuma, in the 95th minute, got on the end of a Dia flick-on ball, taking it down and beating Ledesma to get the crucial equaliser.
Next up for Villarreal will be a trip to Mestalla on Saturday (6:30pm CEST). The Submarine will face Valencia CF for LaLiga Matchday 12.
Lineups:
- Villarreal CF: S. Asenjo; Mario Gaspar (Min. 61, Aurier), Mandi, Pau, A. Pedraza (Min. 74, Estupiñán); Parejo, Iborra (Min. 61, Coquelin), M. Trigueros (Min. 61 Chukwueze); Yeremy, Paco Alcácer (Min. 74 Dia), Danjuma.
- Cádiz CF: Ledesma; Iza (Min. 64, Sánchez), Haroyan, Chust, A. Espino; Chapela (Min. 53, I. Alejo), Jonsson (Min. 53, Akapo), Fali (Min. 72, Tomás Alarcón), Álex, Lozano; Sobrino.
- Goals: 0-1. Min. 15: Lozano. 1-1. Min. 43: Pau. 1-2. Min. 45: Lozano. 1-3. Min 52: Lozano. 2-3. Min 80: Dia. 3-3. Min. 95: Danjuma
- Referee: Hernández Hernández. Booked: Mandi, Paco Alcácer, Coquelin (Villarreal), A. Espino, Fali, Lozano, I. Alejo, Akapo, Haroyan (Cádiz).
- Matchday information: Match corresponding to LaLiga Matchday 11 Jornada 11 at the Estadio de la Cerámica, in front of a crow of 12,190.
