On The Spot Report: Penalty Punishes Villarreal As Athletic Club Win 2-1

Villarreal’s luck against BSC Young Boys in the Champions League wasn’t preceded as they lose out against Athletic Club with a 2-1 defeat in La Liga

Athletic Club are lethal on the counter demonstrated in the 14^th minute. Uncommonly for Villarreal, the goal came from the right side. Williams with a beautiful sprint following a sublime pass crosses the ball to find Raul Garcia sprinting into the box. Unmarked he placed the ball past Rulli 1-0

It took a while for Villarreal to retaliate but with a bit of luck, their chance came in the 32^nd minute. Danjuma battled to keep control of the ball but somehow managed to lay the ball off. Coquelin latched onto the ball and sent a shot towards the goal. The ball deflected off the defender sending Simon the wrong way making it 1-1.

The Yellow Submarine lost Gerard Moreno early on in the first half to injury, replaced by Samu Chukwueze. It was this much-needed energy that helped press for the equalizer. Villarreal adopted a more quick-paced styled. He then brought on Alberto Moreno and Dani Raba which left a few fans shaking their heads.

Disaster struck for Villarreal in the second half in the 78^th minute. Alberto Moreno committed a clumsy foul in the box. Muniain stepped up and calmly sent Rulli the wrong way making it 2-1. Estupinan didn’t learn from Moreno’s error. The Ecuadorian committed a similar foul in the 82^nd minute. A 2^nd penalty was given however Rulli pulled off a beautiful save keeping Villarreal in the game.

It wasn’t to be for Villarreal as they could not find their way past the Athletic defence. The Basque side earned a well-deserved victory 2-1