The Submarine will finish the season in fifth place after losing 2-1 to Rayo Vallecano
Villarreal lost 2-1 to Rayo Vallecano in Vallecas and will finish the season in fifth place in the league table. With one game to go, the Yellows are already assured of a place in the next UEFA Europa League and will miss out on fourth place to Real Sociedad. The visitors’ goal came from Lo Celso, while Raúl de Tomás and Isi scored for the home side.
With Foyth making his 100th appearance in the yellow shirt, the match was marked by heavy rain at Vallecas. A spectacular downpour of water prevented the players from being precise and meant that any mistake on the ball could be lethal. Despite this, the Submarine were true to their style. Quique Setién’s team came out with the ball played out from the back using Pepe Reina like another outfield player.
The best chance of the first half fell to the Yellows. An elaborate move ended with the ball on the left for Alfonso Pedraza to unleash a powerful shot that went narrowly wide (m. 34).
Rayo Vallecano had their chance at the start of the second half. Raúl de Tomás’ shot was blocked by Pepe Reina (m.50). The home side took the lead five minutes later. Chavarría crossed from the left and Raúl de Tomás headed home (1-0).
Quique Setién brought on Gerard and Lo Celso in search of the comeback that would allow them to dream of the Champions League.
Rayo made it 2-0 in the 62nd minute. Santi Comesaña got to the byline and crossed back for Isi to widen the gap on the scoreboard.
Villarreal tried to close the gap until the end and managed to do so in the 82nd minute. Pedraza crossed from the left and Lo Celso connected with his head to make it 2-1. There was time, but the equaliser was not forthcoming.
The Submarine’s next game will be against Atlético de Madrid at the Estadio de la Cerámica on the last day of LaLiga.
Rayo Vallecano: Dimitrievski; Balliu, Mumin, Catena, Fran García; Isi (Salvi, m. 78), Santi Comesaña (Ciss, m. 84), Óscar, Álvaro (Falcao, m. 84); Chavarría (Unai López, m. 71), Raúl de Tomás (Camello, m. 71).
Villarreal CF: Reina; Foyth, Mandi, Pau, A. Pedraza; Parejo, R. Terrats (Lo Celso, m. 60), A. Baena (Capoue, m. 70); Chukwueze (Gerard, m. 60), N. Jackson, Yeremy.
Goals: 1-0. Min. 55: Raúl de Tomás. 2-0. Min. 62: Isi. 2-1. Min. 82: Lo Celso.
Referee: Iglesias Villanueva (C. Gallego). Booked: Óscar Valentín, Raúl de Tomás, Catena (Rayo Vallecano); Parejo, A. Pedraza, Lo Celso, Jackson (Villarreal).
Matchday information: Match corresponding to Gameweek 37 of the 2022/23 LaLiga Santander season at Espanyol. Attendance: 11,085.
