Unai Emery’s side comfortably beat their opponents thanks to Danjuma’s brace
Villarreal CF won the derby against Valencia with great authority (2-0). The Yellows, who were far superior to their opponents, overcame them with a first-half brace from Danjuma. The win, along with the one achieved in Getafe, boosts the Submarine in the race for the European places.
After the win at Getafe (1-2), Villarreal CF were aiming for a second consecutive win in the derby against Valencia CF to maintain their good momentum in the league. To do so, Unai Emery opted for a reshuffled eleven, but with absolute confidence, made up of the following players: Rulli, Foyth, R. Albiol, Mandi, Estupiñán, Capoue, Parejo, M. Trigueros, Lo Celso, Yeremy and Danjuma.
The Hondarribia coach’s plan worked quickly. The Submarine showed their superiority over their opponents from the very first moments of the match. In the eighth minute, Mandi’s header from a corner hit Cömert’s hand. The referee awarded a penalty after consulting the VAR. With great determination, Danjuma picked up the ball and took the lead for Villarreal, deceiving Cillessen with a cross-shot.
The goal gave Villarreal composure and a sense of urgency, as they found their best form and moved Valencia around with quick transitions of the ball behind their defenders. In one of them, came the second yellow goal. Again with the signature of Arnaut Danjuma. The Dutchman took advantage of an excellent run by Foyth, who after covering more than 30 metres and leaving three defenders behind him, gave space for Danjuma to score with a fantastic finish.
At 2-0 and with Emery’s side in a very comfortable game, Villarreal showed they wanted more. Danjuma -who could have had a hat-trick- and Yeremy could have scored the third before the break. However, the goalkeeper’s good work prevented them from doing so.
After the break, the Submarine took their foot off the gas. Valencia also stepped up the pace in search of a goal to close the gap. From the hour mark onwards, Valencia had a couple of timid approaches that did not pose much danger.
In the 80th minute, Chukwueze had the chance to turn the win into a goal if he converted a one-on-one with Cillessen, but it went narrowly wide. In the end, the 2-0 scoreline was final and Villarreal added another LaLiga win.
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Rulli; Foyth (Serge Aurier, m. 81), R. Albiol, Mandi, Estupiñán; Yeremy (Chukwueze, m. 45), Capoue, Parejo (Iborra, m. 81), M. Trigueros; Lo Celso (Moi Gómez, m. 70) and Danjuma (Dia, m. 70).
Valencia CF: Cillessen; Thierry R. (Cheryshev, m. 64), R. Iranzo, Cömert, Christian, J. Vázquez (Gayà, m. 55); Musah (J. Santiago, m. 55), C.Soler (Ilaix, m. 55), Račić (K. Koba Leïn, m. 77), Hélder Costa and Marcos Andre.
Goals: 1-0. Min. 10: Danjuma (p.). 2-0. Min. 17: Danjuma.
Referee: Munuera Montero. Booked: M. Trigueros and Serge Aurier (home); and Cömert, Marcos Andre and Ilaix (away).
Match informtation: Match between Villarreal and Valencia, corresponding to the 33rd LaLiga matchday, held at the Estadio de la Cerámica in front of 13,570 spectators.
