The A team put on a show in a 4-1 victory over Athletic Club:
Borja Valero had the finest single-game performance of any Villarreal player this season, assisting on two goals and bossing the midfield. He looked even better on the wing after Senna's entrance. Rossi was a bit off, but he deserved a goal due to sheer persistence. And Montero scored the first goal of a hopefully long and productive career in yellow. Endavant Jeffrey!
Understandably, Garrido is very pleased at overcoming an early Fernando Llorente header. Now let's take care of business in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
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Not much to see in the B team's tame 4-1 loss to Barcelona B:
If this is the best defending that our filial has to offer, Javi Gracia's job is in trouble. And the B team may find it difficult to stay up for a third straight season in Segunda A.
Portuguese wingback Mano looked awful on the first and third goals, while backup goalkeeper Vicente Flor should have stopped both second-half tallies. In addition, the central pairing of Kiko and Carlos Tomás allowed too many crosses across the box.
Despite these concerns, it would have been 1-1 at the half if not for a late penalty. Watch for Tello's blatant dive at 2:55 of the video (with leg kick and all). Too bad acting and favoritism are alive and well, even in the lower divisions.