Emery’s side beat Celta convincingly thanks to a memorable first half
What a performance! Villarreal CF beat RC Celta (0-4) thanks to a great performance by Unai Emery’s side, who put on a real footballing exhibition at Balaídos. The Yellows overcame their rivals convincingly thanks to goals from Gerard Moreno, Moi Gómez, Dani Parejo and Fer Niño. With the win, the Yellows continue their push for the European spots.
Unai Emery lined up with a recognisable starting XI at Balaídos. Étienne Capoue made his first LaLiga start, after making his Villarreal debut in a cup tie on Tuesday against Zamora CF.
Villarreal started the match well, keen to get the win at Balaídos. It took just five minutes for Emery’s side to go ahead on the scoreboard. Gerard beat Rubén with a placed shot, after a magnificent assist from Parejo, who won the ball back and laid it off quickly for the current LaLiga top scorer to get his tenth league goal of the season.
The Yellows start was excellent. Before the quarter-of-an-hour mark, the Yellows had scored their second of the game. This time, it came from Moi Gómez, whose first-time effort was volleyed in, getting on the end of a Manu Trigueros cross. The midfielder made the most of an error by the Celta defence playing the ball out from the back, putting it on a plate for the Yellows No.23.
The party wasn’t over for the Submarine in Balaídos. In the 19th minute, Villarreal scored their third through Parejo. The midfielder’s free-kick surprised the home defence, and ended up in the back of the goal, without a touch from anyone.
The Yellows had a number of chances against Celta, who were impotent in their attempts to stop Emery’s men. The fourth goal came on the half-hour mark. This time it was Fer Niño, who got on the end of a great Gerard ball, to finish with class past Rubén Blanco.
With the score at 0-4, the first half ended, after a real exhibition from Villarreal. The score was what they deserved for their great fooball.
The second half was extremely different to the first. Villarreal continued to dominate the ball through possession. Quick transitions came from long spells of possession. After 65 minutes, Emery looked to the bench, giving minutes to players such as Yeremy Pino, Samu Chukwueze, Carlos Bacca, Jaume Costa and Francis Coquelin.
Villarrela came away with the three points after a great performance at Balaídos. The Yellows return to action next weekend against CD Tenerife in the Copa del Rey Round of 32 (time and date TBC).
Lineups:
RC Celta: Rubén Blanco; Hugo Mallo, Murillo, Néstor, L. Olaza; Fran Beltrán (Alfonso, m. 72), Okay, Denis Suárez, Baeza (Holsgrove, m. 45); Brais Méndez S. Mina.
Villarreal CF: S. Asenjo; R. Peña, R. Albiol, Pau, A. Pedraza (J. Costa, m. 85); Capoue (Chukwueze, m. 65), M. Trigueros (Coquelin, m. 85), Dani Parejo; Gerard, F. Niño (Yeremy, m. 65), Moi Gómez (Bacca, m. 78).
Goles: 0-1. Min. 5: Gerard. 0-2. Min. 14: Moi Gómez. 0-3. Min. 19: Parejo. 0-4. Min. 30: Fer Niño.
Referee: Estrada Fernández. Booked: Brais Méndez (RC Celta).
Match information: Game between RC Celta and Villarreal CF, corresponding to Matchday 18 of LaLiga at Balaídos. A minute’s silence was held in memory of former RC Celta player, José Carlos Silveira Braga.
