The Submarine’s spectacular 14 game unbeaten run comes to an end
Villarreal’s spectacular streak, of 14 games without losing in LaLiga (club record), comes to an end after falling to Las Palmas in a match that saw the Yellows improve throughout but couldn’t get the draw. The only goal of the game was scored by David García as he headed the ball home after half an hour of play.
The first good chance came in the 19th minute. Denis Suárez put in a driven cross from the right wing and Adrián couldn’t quite get on the end of it at the back post. Only six minutes later, the Submarine came close to opening the scoring. Adrián played a clever ball over the top for Soldado, but the number 9’s lob went just wide of the post of Javi Varas’ goal.
Las Palmas played the ball around well looking for their chance to breakthrough. And they found it. Willian José put a ball into the box and David García headed home, out of reach for Areola (29th minute). Time to react.
Villarreal pushed forward in search of the equalizer, but struggled to create any clear chances. In the second half they kept on. Marcelino made a change and put Leo Baptistao on at right midfield. Mario’s headed effort from a corner brushed the crossbar and Soldado sent another shot wide, but they couldn’t break the deadlock.
Without rush, but without rest, the Yellows hunted down the Las Palmas goal. In the 78th minute the Yellows had an unbeatably clear chance. Denis Suárez played a nice ball to Adrián Marín who put in a perfect cross to the head of Bakambu, but his effort went just wide.
The last few minutes were intense, Villarreal piling forward into the opposition area. Denis Suárez forcing Javi Varas to make an agile save (88th minute). But the Yellows couldn’t find the equalizer.
Line-ups:
Villarreal CF: Areola; Mario, Bonera, Víctor Ruiz, Adrián Marín; Samu Castillejo (Leo Baptistao, m. 46), Pina (Trigueros, m. 70), Bruno, Denis Suárez; Adrián (Bakambu, m. 69) and Soldado.
UD Las Palmas: Javi Varas; David García, Lemos, Bigas, Garrido; Nili (David Simón, m. 75), Montoro, Jonathan Viera, Momo (Ángel, m. 83); and Willian José (Araujo, m. 70).
Goals: 0-1. Min. 29: David García.
Referee: Clos Gómez (Aragon, Spain). Cautioned: Soldado for Villarreal; and Lemos and Montoro for Las Palmas.
Stadium: El Madrigal.
