Thierno Barry and Álex Baena help to decide a very open match and put the Submarine into the Champions League places
Villarreal came out on top in a frantic match against Las Palmas (3-1). Two late goals from Barry and Baena decided a pulsating contest at La Cerámica. As they did against Celta, the Yellows generated a lot, but also left a lot of space at the back, resulting in a host of chances. The game had a bit of everything. The first goal was scored by Pepe and equalised by Fabio Silva. There was also a penalty missed by Baena and, once again, a goal disallowed for a tight offside call against Barry.
The Yellows faced the challenge of securing their second win at the Estadio de la Cerámica this season. They came into the match after beating Espanyol in midweek (1-2) and losing to FC Barcelona (1-5) at the Yellows’ coliseum last Sunday.
To be strong at home, as Marcelino pointed out in the pre-match press conference, is essential to cement a good performance in the long term in LALIGA. Even more so when away from home, the Submarine are performing well, with three wins and a draw in four games. The first impression is that their home record was not so impressive. But that is misleading when you consider that the Submarine have hosted FC Barcelona (1-5) and Atlético de Madrid (2-2). They did manage to beat RC Celta in a thrilling duel (4-3).
Villarreal came out well organised on the pitch, although they were very slow on the ball. The Las Palmas players, more inspired in the early stages, tried to take advantage with a couple of dangerous chances before the half hour mark.
In the tenth minute, Fabio Silva missed a clear chance to put Las Palmas ahead. With everything in his favour, the striker shot wide after receiving a fabulous citback from Moleiro on the edge of the six-yard box. Later, in the 22nd minute, McBurnie got his head on the end of a pinpoint cross from the left by Benito. The shot forced Diego Conde to save his team’s goal with a superb save.
The visitors’ two chances dampened the Submarine’s spirits, whose players were unable to find any fluidity between the lines. Despite this, from a set piece, the Groguets almost made it 1-0. Sergi Cardona got on the end of a Denis Suárez free kick. With his weaker foot, the Catalan defender made contact and found the leg of Horkas, who saved his team with a great save. It was the Submarine’s clearest chance of the game so far.
With 45 minutes gone, the Submarine – now it was time – made it 1-0. Nicolas Pepe did it in an action on the counter-attack. The Ivorian beat Horkas with a right-footed shot after turning in the box after receiving a pass from Thierno Barry. The action was sparked by a Las Palmas chance saved by Diego Conde. At 1-0, the game went to the break. Despite not playing their best game, the Groguets were making the most of what they had generated in the first half.
After coming back from the changing rooms, Las Palmas equalised (1-1). Januzaj’s pass into space was controlled by Fabio Silva and he beat Conde with a neat finish. Five minutes later, Pepe was brought down in the box by the opposition goalkeeper after an unsuccessful pass from Álex Muñoz. Just on the pitch, Álex Baena was the one to take the kick. The player from Roquetas de Mar lost the battle against Horkas from the penalty spot.
In the second half, the game was reminiscent of the Celta game. It was very open and anyone could have taken it. While the Submarine missed a penalty, the visitors had a shot against the crossbar by Januzaj.
After the hour mark, Villarreal stepped up a gear in search of a second goal. The equaliser was not enough for Marcelino’s side, who went forward and had chances from Ilias Akhomach, Álex Baena and Nicolas Pepe.
In the 75th minute, Barry scored 2-1 offside. A corner kick by Baena was headed in at the far post by Nicolas Pepe. The ball went in without having to push it, but the Frenchman, in an offside position, wanted to secure the goal on the goal line. A pity.
After that unfortunate action, Marcelino gave young Pau Cabanes his first team debut. Alongside the young Burriana youth player, Santi Comesaña also came on.
With five minutes to go, Álex Baena produced a wonderful cross into the box for Barry. The French striker made amends with a header. Although it was disallowed in the first instance, it ended up being ruled onside as he was in a correct position. 2-1 at La Cerámica.
In stoppage time, Álex Baena settled the game on the counter-attack. The player from Almeria scored the third on the counter-attack and sealed the match. Three golden points for Marcelino’s team, who move up to third and strengthen their position in the Champions League spots.
