Villarreal confirm mathematical security after beating Eibar 1-0 in an unforgettable atmosphere
Unforgettable. Villarreal mathematically confirmed their place in the top flight of Spanish football next season thanks to their victory over SD Eibar in the penultimate game of the season. The only goal of the match came from Karl Toko Ekambi. It was then time to suffer, but at the end there was a party in the Estadio de la Cerámica stands. During the local Sant Pasqual festivities, the Yellow Submarine confirmed survival and will carry on competing with the best.
In a spectacular atmosphere, Villarreal had four clear goalscoring opportunities in the first 45 minutes. First, Pablo Fornals shot with his right foot after a Samu Chukwueze cross, but was denied by a great save from Marko Dmitrovic. Later, it was Toko Ekambi’s turn. The Yellows No.17’s shot skimmed the post when the crowd thought it was already a goal.
In the 21st minute, the clearest chance for the Yellows came. Chukwueze’s pace saw him break away, he got one-on-one with Dmitrovic, but his shot went wide. It was a great chance, and everyone expected it to go in.
Just before the break, Villarreal had another chance. Toko Ekambi crossed the ball in from the left, Chukwueze controlled the ball with his chest and when he went to shoot, Cote got their just before him and his clearance went out for a corner.
It was still nervy in the second half. A goal would be pure gold and Villarreal knew it, going in search of the back of Eibar’s net in earnest. And it came. Jaume Costa got free down the left wing, sent a driven cross into the box and Toko Ekambi got on the end of it to send it into the back of the net. The Estadio de la Cerámica went wild.
Eibar went on to score twice, but on both occasions their goals were ruled out for offside. Disappointment became immense euphoria. The final minutes were pure suffering. Literally. The Yellows managed to keep their lead and could celebrate staying up alongside the home fans. Congratulations, Yellows! We’re still a LaLiga side! We are staying up! We are staying up!
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Andrés; Mario Gaspar, Álvaro, Funes Mori, Jaume Costa; Chukwueze (Bacca, m. 91), Iborra, Cazorla (Javi Fuego, m. 87), Fornals; Toko Ekambi (Trigueros, m. 73), Gerard.
SD Eibar: Dmitrovic; De Blasis, Paulo (Marí, m. 69), Ramis, Cote; Sergio Álvarez, Jordán; Pedro León (Charles, m. 58), Orellana, Cucurella;, Sergi Enrich (Kike, m. 81).
Goal: 1-0. Min. 59: Toko Ekambi.
Referee: González Fuertes. Booked: Mario Gaspar, Gerard, Bacca (Villarreal); Cucurella, Cote (SD Eibar).
Matchday information: Match corresponding to LaLiga Matchday 37 at the Estadio de la Cerámica in front of attendance of 17,901.
