Villarreal won the game against Manchester United in a penalty shootout where 22 players took penalties
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
Villarreal won the UEFA Europa League in the penalty shootout. After drawing against Manchester United, the Yellows had to take 11 (!!!!) penalties to beat the English side. We suffered, we fought, and the fans cheered us on and WE DID IT!!
A party in the stands. The 2,100 yellows who accompanied Villarreal in Poland mad themselves known before the game started, enjoying a historic moment, a unique club for the club they love.
After a magnificent opening ceremony, the real show started on the pitch at the Gdansk Stadium. Finally it came true: experiencing a final.
United started the game better. In the opening moments, they took control of the possession, combining well in the Yellows’ box. Villarreal found it harder to get into the game, but as the game went on, they looked more comfortable on the pitch.
Before the half-hour mark, Villarreal did the hardest thing with their first chance. They went ahead at the Gdansk Stadium. From a set piece, Gerard Moreno made history and beat David De Gea getting on the excellent ball put in the box by Dani Parejo. In just a second, Gerard’s goal sent the Yellows fans wild.
The Yellows’ goal didn’t change how the game was going. Manchester United continued with control of the ball against Unai Emery’s side, who tried to limit the spaces and water down the innumerable qualities of their opponents in Gdansk.
In the second half, in a moment of bad luck, Manchester United equalised through Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan got on the end of a loose ball after a corner to put the Red Devils level. 1-1 in Gdansk.
The draw changed how the game was going in Poland. Villarreal took a step forward, and from possession, stopped Manchester United taking control of the game, despite them previously dominating. Emery looked to the bench and brought on Francis Coquelin, giving the team control over the middle of the pitch.
Manchester United tried to push forward, but the Submarine were able to resist the English side. Emery brought on Paco Alcácer and Moi Gómez. Then Mario Gaspar and Alberto Moreno.
With the score at 1-1, it went to extra-time. The Yellows started it well, taking control of the ball and looking dangerous. First Alberto Moreno and then Alcácer had attempts to beat De Gea. Both were off target.
Despite the impressive performance in extra-time, it went to penalties. Villarreal won 11-10. Mad. Rulli even scored. Only De Gea missed.
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Rulli; Foyth (Mario Gaspar, m. 87), R. Albiol, Pau, A. Pedraza (Alberto M., m. 87); Capoue (Raba, m. 120), M. Trigueros (Moi Gómez, m. 76), Parejo; Yeremy (Paco Alcácer, m. 76), Gerard, Bacca (Coquelin, m. 59).
Manchester United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka (Telles, m. 120), Lindelof, Bailly (Tuanzebe, m. 115), Shaw; Greenwood (Fred, m. 100), Pogba (Daniel James, m. 115), McTominay (Mata, m. 120), Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Cavani.
GOALS: 1-0. Min. 29: Gerard. 1-1. Min. 54: Cavani. Penalty shootout, 11-10. Everyone took one. Rulli stopped De Gea’s shot.
Referee: Clément Turpin (France). Booked: Capoue and Foyth (Villarreal), Bailly and Cavani (Manchester United).
Matchday information: Game between Villarreal CF and Manchester United, corresponding to the UEFA Europa League 20/21 final, at the Gdansk Stadium.
