Result: Sevilla 3-0 Villarreal
by maddi on Jan 18, 2011 4:09 AM CET
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PrintOn the face of it, Villarreal is facing a dilemma. After a brutal stretch of matches (tomorrow will be their 6th match since January 3rd, a lineup that has included games against Real Madrid, Valencia, and, including tomorrow, Sevilla twice), Villarreal have to decide what is important. They want silverware, but with injuries mounting and three competitions still going strong, at some point they have to make a thoughtful decision about where those trophies are going to come from. And if you had asked President Roig a week ago where he thought the best opportunity was to grasp the club's first-ever championship, I could almost guarantee he would have said this very Copa competition that continues tomorrow. But oh how quickly things can change....
Last Wednesday, Villarreal came out firing on all cylinders - or at least, firing on sufficient cylinders to take a two goal lead after half an hour. The last hour of the match did not go quite as smoothly. Not only did Villarreal lose their second-string keeper, Juan Carlos, to a significant injury, they also lost the last hour, at home no less, by a horrible 1-3 scoreline. The final result: a 3-3 draw, having given up three away goals. Villarreal set themselves up nicely if they prefer to win the Copa del Rey matches in stunning, come-from-behind fashion a la the recent incredible Round of 16 4-0 second half thrashing of . . . uh . . . the little club from that unimportant town a few miles south of Vila-real that I can never remember the name of. But something tells me that going up against a few towering forwards in the Sánchez Pizjuán with a defense that has been looking more like a bullfighter practicing verónicas as of late, rather than a professional futbol club defense, will make that a hard bargain.
Villarreal's other options are not necessarily perfect, though. La Liga is admittedly a lost cause, sad as that is to say. The Europa League is a realistic option for the club, but one should question just how realistic it is at this point, at least when it comes to using that as the basis for bowing gracefully out of other competitions to save your strength - we are only sitting in the Round of 32, going up against a Napoli club that finds itself in second place in Serie A (yeah, did you realize that!?), with clubs like Bayer Leverkusen (4th in the Bundesliga), Liverpool, Benfica, and Zenit still comfortably hanging around.
So, as far as I can tell, the tough decision is not as tough as it seems on its face. Tomorrow is simply a must-win match against a club that, while always difficult for us, we know we can beat.
It will be a pieced-together team tomorrow, a mixture of B-teamers, a new addition, and the two or three A-teamers that have not succumbed to injury this month:
Keepers: Xavi Oliva and Diego López.
Defenders: Cicinho, Mario, Gonzalo, Catalá, Joan Oriol, Capdevila and Musacchio.
Midfielders: Borja Valero, Cani, Bruno, Matilla, Jefferson Montero and Cristóbal.
Forwards: Altidore, Marco Ruben and Rossi.
Notably, Marchena should be back with the club soon. He began practicing this week, but is not near match fit. Perhaps the vacation-esque five day break between this match and Sunday's match against Real Sociedad will give him sufficient time to get ready to spend a few minutes back on the pitch.
I expect Juan Carlos Garrido, never pleased, no matter what (see video of Cani's ridiculous goal this weekend, and Garrido's reaction, in which, if I read his lips correctly, he wanted the shot taken from 3/4s of the pitch, rather than the halfway line), to go with a reasonably defense-oriented set up to start the match, concerned about conceding goals. Obviously, he cannot settle for a draw unless it is one that reaches the stratospheric heights of last week's match, so he has to play for the clean sheet, 0-1 victory if he wants to see the team progress. If a goal is not picked up early, he will have to transition into a more offensively-minded lineup before the match gets away from him. I expect the starting lineup to look like this:
Diego López
Cicinho - Gonzalo - Musacchio - Capdevila
Borja Valero - Bruno - Matilla - Cani
Marco Ruben - Rossi
The only possible changes I could see Garrido making there are putting in Cristóbal instead of Matilla, and Mario for Cicinho. Even though there is speculation that it could be Xavi Oliva to start in goal, I cannot imagine that happening considering that he has not seen a single minute of playing time so far in the 2010-2011 season.
Surprisingly, these two clubs have an even set of results against each other in the last five matches. Both teams have won two, lost two, and drawn once. If you look more closely, however, the results favor Sevilla. Four of those matches were at El Madrigal, including one of Villarreal's losses and last week's ugly draw.
Tuesday's match is simply going to be a tremendously difficult match. I can't sit here with a straight face and say we are definitely going to win it and move on in the Copa. Of course, I am not ready to concede defeat either. Rossi will have to be the man who pulls out the magic, replicating his incredible match against the Unibets (Unibats?) two weeks ago. If we are going to go through, it is going to be on his shoulders. ENDAVANT!
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Lopez,
He will start, to bench over Olivia @ this point is not good. Got to build his confidence.
I hope the GK coach is going over his issue of recently being flat footed f on crosses and FK and w/o Marchena it hasn’t gone well.
lopez needs to come out for the ball, hey Juan Carlos although shorter than Lopez was coming out for the crosses
Mario
Per Garrido will start since Cicinho is fit, but needs too lean teh Villarreal system
Altidore:
some of his fans have rumor out that he’s going to loaned/sold to Sunderland
go figure
by Acqua @ at starting line up on Jan 18, 2011 5:22 AM CET reply actions
I have a good feeling about this match. The concern is staying with Sevilla’s big strikers in the box. An early goal would do us wonders, maybe off a set piece since we’ve decided to start using those to our advantage.
Borja (and Cani), it’s up to you to work some magic. The semifinals await- for the first time in club history. Endavant!
by sidarth on Jan 18, 2011 5:33 AM CET reply actions
Garrido cracking having fun in training
by Acqua @ Garrido on Jan 18, 2011 7:14 AM CET reply actions
Garrido and Lopez talk @ training
http://www.elperiodicomediterraneo.com/img/noticias/630300_2.jpg
by Acqua @ Garrido on Jan 18, 2011 7:16 AM CET reply actions
Valencia and Villarreal compete with offers for Chori Castro.
http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/operacion-castro-gusta-villarreal-toma/20110118dasdaiftb_52/Tes
by Kenez on Jan 18, 2011 8:59 AM CET reply actions
word is Chori would prefer the black and white team as they are offering him more money, but Villarreal’s offer to Mallorca is better—more money, fewer installments.
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 3:22 PM CET up reply actions
Would rather play liverpool than napoli, we can take em’ every day…
Hope we can close down the defence today, and see Ruben continue his superb form….
I am optimistic… 0-2, twice Ruben…
by jens the dane... on Jan 18, 2011 10:22 AM CET reply actions
We have to put everything into this game, I want a trophy this season!! I know if we get past this test then we can beat Madrid and go all the way! Endavant!!
by Nick on Jan 18, 2011 12:38 PM CET reply actions
Today’s match will be available on ESPN3 and ESPN Deportes. Endavant Villarreal!!!
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 1:10 PM CET reply actions
I think that it’s going to be very difficult tonight. I’m concerned that the away form is not good, the only teams they’ve taken points from are all in the bottom half of the table. Despite good performances against the top two all games against teams in the top half have been lost. Furthermore the record at the Sánchez Pizjuán is not good, 8 defeats in 9 league visits, although they did win a cup match there in December 2003 by 2-0 but went out on away goals having lost 1-3 at home.
Sevilla have tradition and experience on their side, if they go through tonight it would be their fifth semi-final in the last seven years and of course are the current champions.
by Kenez on Jan 18, 2011 5:58 PM CET reply actions
Garrido has very few options to make changes to the team that played on Saturday. A decision on the fitness of Bruno is going to be left until the last possible moment. If he fails to make it that would complicate matters even further. As it is I think Musacchio will start in midfield, with Catalá returning to the defence. Matilla will only start if Bruno is declared unfit. Mario is to start ahead of Cicinho according to Garrido yesterday. Montero may get a chance if we need to chase the game near the end.
I can’t see us keeping a clean sheet so that means we would have to score at least twice and possibly three to go through.
by Kenez on Jan 18, 2011 6:11 PM CET reply actions
I would agree—whenever we’ve tried to hold out for a draw we haven’t had much success. I think we have to outscore Sevilla with somewhere between 2 to 4 goals to progress. A tall order as Kenez points out, but Sevilla haven’t been that great at sitting back and playing defensively either.
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 6:31 PM CET up reply actions
U are all wrong. I think there will be some changes tonight so many tired of legs of villarreal but at the same time such a big game. Fingers crossed
by koren on Jan 18, 2011 7:57 PM CET reply actions
Yes you’re right major changes with Altidore getting a start. Don’t know what to make of this.
VILLAREAL:
Diego López;
Cicinho, Catalá, Gonzalo, Joan Oriol;
Mussachio, Bruno, Jeff Montero, Cani;
Rossi & Altidore.
by Kenez on Jan 18, 2011 9:18 PM CET up reply actions
Wow. It looks like he is calculating that the Copa is a lost cause. That back four, not used to playing together, is simply going to be lost out there. That’s a downer.
by maddi on Jan 18, 2011 9:23 PM CET up reply actions
Quite a shock. Not sure WHAT to make of it—seems strange that Bruno, whose fitness was in question, is risked with so many others resting. I guess the real surprise is no Borja and no Ruben. The back four is going to have a hard time against kanoute and the Sevilla guys, I believe.
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 9:28 PM CET reply actions
Sevilla: (5-3-2)
JAVI VARAS;
SERGIO SÁNCHEZ, CÁCERES, ALEXIS, FERNANDO NAVARRO, DABO;
ZOKORA, ROMARIC, RENATO;
KANOUTÉ Y NEGREDO
by Kenez on Jan 18, 2011 9:48 PM CET up reply actions
According to Marca, Borja Valero starts not Bruno. Radio Nou gave the team with Bruno.
by Kenez on Jan 18, 2011 9:49 PM CET up reply actions
What!!
How can he leave Ruben out?
strange…
by jens the dane. on Jan 18, 2011 9:41 PM CET reply actions
that’s what we were afraid of but wasn’t renato in an offside position?
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 10:10 PM CET reply actions
garrido gave up on copa
it’s over
don’t blame him w/injuires etc
nice assist by musacchio on sevilla gol
musachio & catala
by jackson on Jan 18, 2011 10:11 PM CET reply actions
this ref is letting too much go—bad foul on Cicinho not called at all
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 10:25 PM CET reply actions
Come on folks, nothing is over yet. 1 goal and we’re back in it. Have faith; this is not a bad lineup on the whole. And Sevilla is afraid, going with 5 in the back. But numbers alone cannot make a solid defense.
by sidarth on Jan 18, 2011 10:26 PM CET reply actions
da vcf defense & cm is sub par
da team is tired & injured
time 4 montero 2 show us what he’s got @ this level
by jackson on Jan 18, 2011 10:27 PM CET reply actions
1-0, 26’. Gonzalo hits the bar from a Valero FK. Here we go, boys.
by sidarth on Jan 18, 2011 10:29 PM CET reply actions
Some of our buildup has looked good, but once we are getting in the final stretch, we fall apart. That is what 5 defenders will do to you…
by maddi on Jan 18, 2011 10:32 PM CET reply actions
And I have to say, Montero’s speed is causing some trouble down Sevilla’s flank. Good showing from him so far.
by maddi on Jan 18, 2011 10:32 PM CET reply actions
Rossi hacked down on edge of area, no call. Cicinho and Montero active down right side, we need Cani to come into the game more. Rossi coming into it
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 10:33 PM CET reply actions
I don’t think Sevilla can hold out playing this way for 60 minutes. We just need to show some patience.
by sidarth on Jan 18, 2011 10:35 PM CET reply actions
well kanoute nearly killed the tie off there. we can maybe score 2, not 3
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 10:36 PM CET reply actions
rossi another good shot saved….when he is getting them off keeper is up to it. nice pass from jozy tho
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 10:41 PM CET reply actions
We just need a goal by the hour mark. By the half would be great, but we are still in this match. Let’s just play our game.
by sidarth on Jan 18, 2011 10:43 PM CET reply actions
oh wow….Jozy is going to be hurting for a long time after that. Caceres drilled him! Ouch!
by maddi on Jan 18, 2011 10:45 PM CET reply actions
1-0 HT. Keep the faith, boys. This is not over.
by sidarth on Jan 18, 2011 10:49 PM CET reply actions
1-0, HT. Need two goals as of now, three if we let another in. Sevilla has not been pressuring much, focusing on defending, as they know that they really don’t need anymore at this point. I expect they are going to pack it in even more after half.
by maddi on Jan 18, 2011 10:50 PM CET reply actions
Sevilla playing with five at the back, content to break up Rossi runs. Altidore—no shots. Need to support Rossi up front!
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 10:52 PM CET reply actions
where is ruben, cani having off day
1-1 or 2-2 would b respectable & players get a rest
by jackson on Jan 18, 2011 10:56 PM CET up reply actions
disappointing that the stadium in Sevilla has lots of empty seats. It’s a nice matchup, but the Copa del Rey needs rethinking if teams and fans are to get more interested. I believe Sr. Roig presented a proposal to do just that.
I can see why Cicinho is excited about being here—he loves to get forward and put a nice ball in that Mussachio headed wide, and was pretty active out there. needed some protection from the ref though—he was fouled several times w/no call. Actually that seems to be the trend for this guy tonight-he is letting the game flow but too many fouls are being let go where the foul results in a change of possession
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 10:58 PM CET reply actions
spain refs suck
copa should have just 1 match per each rd, like in italy
by jackson on Jan 18, 2011 11:01 PM CET up reply actions
A midweek 10:00pm KO does not help attendance.
by Kenez on Jan 18, 2011 11:02 PM CET up reply actions
Apart from introducing Ruben (if he is healthy) I am not sure what other options Garrido really has…no point in risking Bruno if he could not start anyway, I wouldn’t think.
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 11:01 PM CET reply actions
We’ve created possibilities, first half fairly even except we gave up a poor goal. I too thought Renato was in offside position before Musacchio touched the ball. I don’t think Musacchio is the answer in midfield, he’s not winning the ball and when he does collect it he’s not creating anything. Cani has withdrawn to a more central role reducing our attacking positions. Montero needs to make a name for himself in the 2nd half.
by Kenez on Jan 18, 2011 11:01 PM CET reply actions
Cicinho significantly adds to the tattoos on the Submarine, doesn’t he!!
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 11:03 PM CET reply actions
y does not lopez come out 4 those crosses?
vcf travels badvs good teams
so
bye bye copa
time 2 move on
give g.rossi a rest. he is his 7 match in 17 days
by jackson on Jan 18, 2011 11:07 PM CET reply actions
I would agree. Kanoute only had to outjump Joan Oriol to head that one home.
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 11:07 PM CET reply actions
lopez fails on corners
any good keeper come out
by jackson on Jan 18, 2011 11:10 PM CET reply actions
time to start practicing defending set pieces in training
by Tim L on Jan 18, 2011 11:11 PM CET reply actions
What was that?? Cani nearly scores on our goal from halfway up the pitch
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 11:17 PM CET reply actions
montero = fail
here was his chance , he did nada
by jackson on Jan 18, 2011 11:18 PM CET reply actions
Ruben and bruno look like they are coming in for 25 mins or so. interesting. Catala and Altidore off.
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 11:21 PM CET reply actions
when catala plays. oppostion always score at least 3 gols.
so garrido didn’t want 2 face real madrid in semi final
don’t blame him
it waste of time since vcf need 2 save up for europa & liga
by jackson on Jan 18, 2011 11:25 PM CET up reply actions
Capdevila on, really should have been called for handball in the area there on that shot
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 11:35 PM CET reply actions
Lopez off his line to clear the corner. Good to see, though he was under no pressure there. I don’t think you can blame him for the two off the corners today really, certainly not the first one
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 11:39 PM CET reply actions
and so the Copa adventure ends. Well, it was fun while it lasted, I wish we had gone out with less of a whimper
by Allen on Jan 18, 2011 11:53 PM CET reply actions
tired players,
2 finish 3-4 in liga is more important then copa.
by jackson on Jan 18, 2011 11:55 PM CET reply actions
Terrible game for vcf. Good experience for the young kids. Thought rossi was ok looked lost. Thought altidore was good out wide he was sharp on the ball good pass to rossi but should of hit the frame. Montero….he’s really fast. Catala poor on both corners. And musachio on the first goal must do better not good enough. Can/borja were ok still think we just weren’t fluid enough throughout the game. But for me montero was the worst today. I like cichnio the most once he gets more comfortable will help us with agnel out. Ruben isn’t a good sub he is a way better when he starts the match. Montero was awful…did I say that already?
by koren on Jan 19, 2011 12:24 AM CET reply actions
koren, what match did u watch?\
altidore
reality is altidore besides the pass was ineffective but not poor
allen put it well
Jozy Altidore is definitely a work in progress.
He did make a nice pass to Rossi which resulted in an excellent Varas save,
but his first touch lets him down too many times.
I believe the only shot he had on goal was a weak header,
and as a strike partner with Rossi that’s not enough of an impact.
by jacjosn on Jan 19, 2011 1:48 AM CET up reply actions
koren, what match did u watch?\
altidore
reality is altidore besides the pass was ineffective but not poor
allen put it well
Jozy Altidore is definitely a work in progress.
He did make a nice pass to Rossi which resulted in an excellent Varas save,
but his first touch lets him down too many times.
I believe the only shot he had on goal was a weak header,
and as a strike partner with Rossi that’s not enough of an impact.
by jackson on Jan 19, 2011 1:49 AM CET reply actions
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