Villarreal hosted Valencia at the Valencia derby. They are both on the race for Europa League spots: home team is 6th on the table, showing off their high level on every performance since LaLiga return. On the other side, Valencia are 8th and have only won one game this last few weeks. It was a decisive match for both clubs.
Villarreal dominated on the first phase, as Valencia were uncomfortable on the field. Samu Chukwueze already warned with a shot that went out close to the post, but “the yellow submarine” only needed fifteen minutes to open up the scoreboard, as the ex effect took place: Gerard Moreno assisted with a magnificent pass to Paco Alcácer, who executed an impossible volley for keeper Cillesen. Gerard Moreno was very close to score Villarreal´s second just a few minutes later, but his shot hit the post.
Chances were going back and forward, but the home team had absolute control of the game. Valencia´s left back Gayá had to leave the game before halftime due to a muscular injury, which will be an important miss on Celades squad. The second goal came before the break through an astonishing play: Cazorla controlled a long throw by keeper Asenjo and he assisted with an accurate touch to Gerard Moreno, who again made a great volley that went in. The ball did not touch the ground throughout this entire passing pattern, which will certainly turned into one of the most beautiful goals of the season. Fair score at halftime.
Valencia returned from the break with a better attitude, but they couldn´t turn over their inferiority to their rival. The dynamic kept being the same, as Villarreal were more comfortable on the pitch and so their opponent suffered it. The paced slowed down considerably, as it sometimes looked more to a “rondo” were the home squad retained the ball and the visitors were chasing shadows. Valencia´s only chance came from a shot by Gameiro that was disallowed as he was offside, and Villarreal´s forward Bacca almost scored the third one in extra time.
Easy win for the yellow submarine, as they were clearly better throughout the entire game. This way, calleja´s team gets three crucial points on the race for European spots at the same time as Valencia get far away from them. Their coach Celades did not make the right approach on today´s meet and so they keep their bad run.
