Villarreal 2-0 Córdoba: we remain unbeaten

It took a while, but in the end the better team triumphed as Villarreal defeated Córdoba 2-0.

Full Time: Villarreal 2, Córdoba 0

That's all she wrote from El Madrigal. Another three points at home to continue Villarreal's 100% run to start the 2012-13 season in the Segunda. Not the greatest performance, but you can't argue with the results.

Hernán Pérez started the scoring in the 79th minute with a tap-in rebound from a Walter Pandiani shot. Goalie's mistake, sure, but you have to be there to capitalize. And the Paraguayan international was on the spot, a reward for his efforts throughout the match.

Hernán's goal followed mutual expulsions in the 57th minute, with Joan Oriol being sent off for Villarreal. One figured the match would open up a bit, and it did, but Pandiani made a greater impact. Fernando Cavenaghi and Gerard Bordas were predictably inept, so it was appropriate that Nigerian international Ikechukwu Uche scored his first goal in yellow in stoppage time. Finally the ex-pichichi of the Segunda scored his scoring touch in a 1v1 situation.

We visit El Molinón next weekend to take on a recovering Sporting Gijón side. Won't feel quite like a Primera match, but another win would put us one step closer to reliving those nights again. Endavant Villarreal!

FT Villarreal 2-0 Cordoba

First goal was a gift from a keeper who seemed nervous all game, second was forced by excellent pressure and a nice finish from Uche! Full recap to come shortly

Villarreal 0-0 Córdoba: Halftime

Villarreal has had the better of the chances, but no goals. Paging Walter Pandiani for another late goal and all three points at El Madrigal. Will we have a Héctor Canteros sighting late on? All up to manager Julio Velázquez.

Match Thread: Villarreal vs. Córdoba

Villarreal CF hosts Córdoba CF today at El Madrigal in jornada 7 of Spain's second division. The hosts need a win to keep pace at the top of the table, while Córdoba has fallen short of its high expectations so far to start the season.

No Senna or Trigueros against Cordoba; Canteros makes squad debut

We just received the team list on the official site:

Keepers: Juan Carlos, Mariño.
Defenders: Joan Oriol, Jaume Costa, Mario, Mellberg, Musacchio , Lejeune.
Midfielders: Hernán Pérez, Bruno, Canteros, Cani, Trigueros , Moi Gómez.
Strikers: Uche, Pandiani, Gerard Bordas , Cavenaghi.

Javi Venta is omitted yet again (technical decision), Dani Toribio and Manu Trigueros are both left out also though no injury reason was given. Marcos Senna has a muscle problem in his right leg, so is left out.

With those losses, there is a place for Tito Canteros, who will wear Borja Valero's 'old' number 20. Expect him to perhaps enter in the second half? Moi Gomez enters in the squad as well, though after playing an entire match for the B team on Wednesday I would not expect to see him in action. It looks as though we will need to rely on Hernan Perez for the creative spark Manu has been providing, and hopefully Cani can get untracked...

Manu Trigueros unlikely for Cordoba; others seem OK

Robin Harris reported Manu was not on the pitch today, but Senna was (most of the time), Mellberg and Toribio were there and seemed OK. Canteros and Hernan Perez too.

Manu Trigueros glad Joselu cannot play

In related news, Manu Trigueros is pleased that his former youth team colleague is ineligible to play on Saturday. Wish we had thought of that last season with Ikechukwu Uche and Granada. We might still be in the Primera...

But we still need to score, even if Córdoba is starved for goals. Maybe Kiko Olivas can help with that.

Kiko and Joselu return to El Madrigal

Kiko Olivas and Joselu Moreno, welcome home. The tall central defender and young striker (on loan) will be in Vila-real on Saturday, this time as opponents. Kiko says the match will be the most special of the season.

Based on his play in yellow, that should mean good things for the El Madrigal faithful. We shall wait and see.

Villarreal's next opponents: Cordoba

Cordoba come a-calling at El Madrigal. Beaten in the playoffs last year, they are likely to prove tough opposition-- unless we can figure out how to get untracked in front of goal.