The Yellows fall short against Valencia in a match which they started by dominating, but were unable to find a goal
Villarreal lost to Valencia at Mestalla (2-0) in a tough match for the Yellows, who stayed loyal to their style against a well-drilled Valencian defence, but were unable to find a goal. Goals from Hugo Guillamón and Carlos Soler, the latter from the penalty spot, saw the home side take the three points.
Villarreal started the game by taking control of the ball and creating danger in the opposition half. In the fifth minute, both Serge Aurier and Étienne Capoue were close to a Dani Parejo free-kick. Arnaut Danjuma’s trickiness on the left was causing problems, while Capoue and Francis Coquelin were constantly pressing Valencia, causing them to struggle to get out from the back early on.
Danjuma had a good chance, getting on the end of a through ball by Pau Torres, but his near-post shot went just wide of the post. A Coquelin header soon after could also have put the Yellows ahead. However, the best chance for the Yellows in the first half went to Aurier, whose first-time effort from a corner was saved magnificently by Jasper Cillessen. Before half-time Guillamón scored after a piece of play that started with a Valencia throw-in.
Villarreal grew into the second half. Raúl Albiol made a great clearance from Gonçalo Guedes, who had gone round Gero Rulli. However, Soler scored the second goal of the game from the penalty spot. The match was not where the Yellows wanted it to be, but they continued trying and pushing Valencia back, but finally the Submarine were unable to turn things around.
Next up for Villarreal is a UEFA Champions League tie on Monday 2nd November at 9pm CEST at the Estadio de la Cerámica against Young Boys, corresponding to Matchday 4 of the Group Stage.
Lineups:
- Valencia CF: Cillessen; Foulquier, Hugo G., G. Paulista (m. 72, Diakhaby), Omar Alderete, Gayà (m. 82, Piccini); Hélder Costa, Racic (m. 53, Carlos Soler), Wass; Guedes (m. 82, Hugo Duro), Marcos André (m. 72, Thierry Correia).
- Villarreal CF: Rulli; Serge Aurier, R. Albiol, Pau, Estupiñán (m. 71, Alberto M.); Parejo (m. 46, Chukwueze), Capoue (m. 61, M. Trigueros), Coquelin; Moi Gómez (m. 71, Paco Alcácer), Yeremy (m. 46, Dia), Danjuma.
- Goals: 1-0. Min. 43: Hugo G.. 2-0. Min. 77: Carlos Soler (p).
- Referee: Munuera Montero. Booked: Hugo G., Omar Alderete (Valencia); Danjuma, M. Trigueros, R. Albiol, Chukwueze (Villarreal).
- Matchday information: Game between Valencia CF and Villarreal CF, corresponding to Matchday 12 of the 2021/22 LaLiga Santander season.
