The Submarine beats Málaga with a Soldado goal and now has 48 points from 24 Match Days
Breaking records as they go. Villarreal beats Málaga with a goal by Roberto Soldado and reach 48 points from 24 Match Days, achieving the most points in history at this point in the season, as the previous record was 46 points in the first 24 fixtures in the 2010/11 season.
What’s more, the Submarine equals their best run of games without a loss, having gone undefeated for eleven consecutive Match Days, in the same season. Their best record until now was set under the direction of Manuel Pellegrini in the 2008/09 campaign, when the Yellows also went undefeated for eleven games.
The Submarine started the game intensely. In fact, only a few seconds in Soldado tested Kameni. The Yellow number 9 made the goalkeeper work with a powerful, long range shot.
In the 17th minute came the first goal of the game. An excellent move between Leo Baptistao and Soldado left the ball at the feet of Soldado who sent in front of goals, sent his shot past the Cameroon goalkeeper.
The Submarine combined well and created a lot of problems for their rival. In the 20th minute Soldado dribbled forward on the counter attack and Jonathan dos Santos also had his shot saved by Kameni. Málaga woke up and came close to scoring after half an hour. Cop’s effort turned away by a brilliant save from Areola.
In the second half Villarreal continued to hunt down the opposition goal with the crowd firmly behind them, but Málaga remained solid in defence and were dangerous when they counter attacked quickly.
Jonathan dos Santos had the last great chance of the game in the 78th minute. The Mexican midfielder, very active throughout the whole game, received the ball inside the box and dribbled around a few defenders before letting rip, his shot brushing the crossbar.
From then until the final whistle Villarreal held their lead with a solid defence. The Yellows were formidable tonight.
Line-ups:
Villarreal CF: Areola; Mario, Musacchio, Víctor Ruiz, Jaume Costa; Jonathan dos Santos, Trigueros, Bruno, Denis Suárez (Samu Castillejo, m. 64); Leo Baptistao (Pina, m. 87) and Soldado (Bakambu, m. 74).
Málaga CF: Kameni; Rosales, Albentosa, Weligton, Miguel Torres; Juanpi (Uche, m. 83), Camacho, Tissone (Duda, m. 62), Fornals; Cop (Santa Cruz, m. 74) and Charles.
Goals: 1-0. Min. 17: Soldado.
Referee: Vicandi Garrido (C. Vasco). Cautioned: Trigueros and Bakambu for Villarreal; Albentosa for Málaga.
Match Information: Match in correspondence with Match Day 24 of the Liga BBVA in El Madrigal stadium.
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