A tremendous Villarreal win their first ever game at the Bernabéu with a Pablo Fornals goal
History made! Villarreal changed their fate at the Bernabéu with a spectacular performance that was worth three points against Real Madrid (0-1), after a true work of art by Pablo Fornals. With hard work, sacrifice and a never-say-die attitude, the Yellows picked up their first ever win at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
Villarreal were very focused from kick-off; keeping their shape and staying organised at the back against an ever dangerous Real Madrid. Although the Whites dominated in the opening minutes, the Yellows dealt with the pressure better and better as the half went on.
In the 28th minute, Bacca came close to putting Javi Calleja’s side in front, but Nacho intervened to make sure the Colombian could not connect with the ball in the six-yard box.
Real Madrid tried to open the scoring with every attack but Villarreal kept them at bay. With three magnificent saves, it was Sergio Asenjo who was the star of the first half. The first was from a powerful strike by Marcelo in the 19th minute, the second, just a few minutes later, from a bullet of a free kick by Cristiano Ronaldo, and lastly, and most impressively, he denied the Portuguese striker again from point-blank range. It was in the 44th minute, Ronaldo got on the end of a killer pass right in front of goal and it seemed to be a certain opener, but Asenjo was equal to it and saved with what can only be described as superhuman reflexes.
Villarreal came out all guns blazing in the second half. So much so that Cheryshev, who came on just after the break, had the best chance of the game early on with a driven shot from the edge of the box that went just wide of Navas’ post.
The Submarine’s attacking play forced the home side to defend and so Real Madrid did not get to goal so easily after that. The Submarine’s chances were also few and far between though. Zidane’s side attacked in earnest in the final minutes, but it was Villarreal who broke the deadlock and sentenced the match moments before the final whistle.
In the 86th minute, the Yellows counterattacked quickly and Cheryshev played a fantastic ball for Enes Ünal to run on to. The Turk hit a first time shot but Navas was alert and made a great save to deny him. However, his clearance only went as far as Pablo Fornals, who was waiting on the edge of the box and beat the Real Madrid goalkeeper with a superb lob to give Villarreal a historic 0-1 win.
Lineups:
Real Madrid CF: Keylor Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo; Casemiro, Modric, Kroos, Isco (Marco Asensio, m. 69); Bale (Lucas Vázquez, m. 69) and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Villarreal CF: Asenjo; Mario, Bonera, Álvaro, Jaume Costa; Rodrigo, Trigueros, Castillejo (Rukavina, m. 82), Fornals; Raba (Cheryshev, m. 46) and Bacca (Enes Ünal, m. 75).
Goal: 0-1. Min. 86: Fornals.
Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Navarra, Spain). Cautioned: Bacca (m. 44) for Villarreal; Carvajal (m. 57) and Lucas Vázquez (m. 87) for Real Madrid.
Match Information: Match corresponding to Matchday 19 of the LaLiga Santander between Real Madrid and Villarreal played at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in front of 63,403 spectators. Heavy rainfall, especially during the first half.
