The Yellows were ahead on the score twice but ended up defeated
Villarreal lost against Zürich by 3-2 in a match were the Yellows started ahead on the score with goals by Pina and Gerard Moreno, but were not able to secure the lead. The Swiss team came back on the score twice and won the match.
Marcelino made up to eight changes on the starting line-up compared to the match against Valencia last Sunday at El Madrigal. With Pina and Jonathan Dos Santos commanding midfield, the Submarine started really well, generating a scoring chance with Moi Gómez serving a great pass to Giovani from the left but the Mexican’s shot missed the goal.
The 0-1 arrived on the minute 18th. Pina headed a corner kick served by Espinosa and allowed the Yellows to be up against a fierce FC Zürich that wouldn’t give up just yet. In fact, just after two minutes, Etoundi scored the equalizer for the Swiss. At that moment the match entered a crazy phase. Villarreal managed to fight back really quick with a goal by Gerard Moreno. The game seemed to be controlled by the Submarine but this was far to be true. The Swiss scored the 2-2 and then the 3-2. In just 30 minutes, the stadium Letzigrund had seen 5 goals.
Around the 41st minute there was a possible penalty for Villarreal with Espinosa being fouled inside the box but wasn’t called by the referee.
Marcelino moved the bench during the second act. Vietto and Bruno replaced Moi Gómez and Pina on the 60th minute and tried to encourage the Yellow reaction. Zürich defense closed the lines and it was very difficult to generate any chances. Rukavina tried to score with an extraordinary long distance shot that went straight to the crossbar on the 69th.
Villarreal will have to keep fighting during the last two matches of the Group Stage, to achieve the round of 32. The Submarine will receive Borussia’s visit next match and will visit Apollon Limassol for the last match.
MATCH FACTS:
FC Zürich: Da Costa; Elvedi,, Nef, Djimsiti; Rodríguez (M. Brunner, m. 82), Kukeli, Yapi, Schönbächler; Chikhaoui, Buff (Rossini, m. 70) and Etoundi (Chermiti, m. 53).
Villarreal CF: Juan Carlos; Rukavina, Gabriel, Víctor Ruiz, Adrián Marín; Espinosa (Cheryshev, m. 68), Jonathan dos Santos, Pina (Bruno, m. 64), Moi Gómez (Vietto, m. 58); Giovani and Gerard Moreno.
Goals: 0-1. Min. 18: Pina. 1-1. Min. 20: Etoundi. 1-2. Min. 24: Gerard Moreno. 2-2. Min. 25: Buff. 3-2. Min. 28: Chikhaoui.
Referee: Vladislav Bezborodov (RUS). Yellows for local Rossini (m. 92) and Jonathan dos Santos (m. 14).
Stadium: Letzigrund.
