A Gerard double leads the Yellows into the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals
Villarreal convincingly beat Dynamo Kyiv (2-0), led by a stunning performance by Gerard Moreno, who scored both of the Yellows’ goals. The win at the Estadio de la Cerámica built on the win in Ukraine and sealed the Submarine’s place in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals.
Unai Emery made various changes to the starting XI from the first leg in Kyiv. Sergio Asenjo and Ramiro Funes Mori came in for the injured Gero Rulli and Pau Torres, while Carlos Bacca led the line after scoring in the last LaLiga game against SD Eibar.
Despite having a lead from the first leg, the Yellows started urgently, pressing high and having presence in the opposition half. In the 12th minute, Villarreal got the goal their superiority deserved. Gerard found the back of the net after heading a fantastic Samu Chukwueze cross from the right into the back of the net. It was Gerard himself who had laid the ball off to him.
The Catalan striker is on fire at the moment and his team-mates know that. In the 35th minute, Gerard showed once more showed that he is one of the best strikers in Europe, scoring his second goal against a Dynamo Kyiv side that could not cope with the Yellows No.7. This time, he beat Bushchan, after receiving a great ball in the box from Dani Parejo.
In the second half, the Yellows’ dominance intensified. The game ended with utter dominance from Emery’s side, who saw the game out comfortably.
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Sergio Asenjo; Foyth (Mario Gaspar, m. 62), R. Albiol, Funes Mori, Pedraza; Trigueros (Jaume Costa, m. 78), Capoue, Parejo; Gerard (Raba, m. 78), Bacca (Yeremy, m. 62), Chukwueze (Álex. B, m. 70).
Dynamo Kyiv: Bushchan; Kedziora, Zabarnyi, Syrota (Popov, m. 82), Mykolenko (Sidcley, m. 82); Tsygankov (Supryaha, m. 45), Sydorchuk, Buyalskiy, Andriyevskiy (Shepeliev, m. 65), De Pena; Rodrigues (Lednev, m. 65).
Goals: 1-0. Min. 12: Gerard. 2-0. Min. 35: Gerard.
Referee: Andreas Ekberg (Sweden). Booked: Trigueros, Parejo (Villarreal).
Matchday information: Match between Villarreal CF and Dynamo Kyiv, corresponding to the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 second leg at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
