Villarreal salvaged a draw (2-2) this Sunday in matchday 14 of LaLiga EA Sports thanks to a stunning second half and a last-minute goal from Gerard Moreno. Meanwhile, Sevilla claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano, who ended the match with ten men.
Marcelino García Toral’s side thwarted the ambitions of the ‘rojillo’ team, which aimed to close the gap to the fourth spot occupied by the Yellow Submarine. Ante Budimir scored twice within the first twenty minutes at El Sadar, putting Osasuna ahead 2-0 with a controversial penalty awarded via VAR, which certainly rattled Villarreal, who only found their rhythm in the second half.
With the introduction of Moreno, Villarreal transformed, playing their trademark attacking football that has kept them in contention for a Champions League spot. Álex Baena narrowed the deficit and the away side pressed for an equalizer. Ultimately, a penalty that Moreno converted brought the score to 2-2 in stoppage time. This draw keeps Villarreal in fourth place with a three-point cushion over Osasuna and a game in hand.
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On another note, Sevilla secured a crucial victory at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán against a desperate Rayo, who suffered significantly after Djibril Sow’s goal at the half-hour mark and a red card for Unai López just before the break. Isaac Romero and Dodi Lukebakio provided the initial threats as the home side took control early on.
The hosts were justly ahead, and a reckless challenge from Unai López made things easier for them. Despite taking the lead, Sevilla opted to sit back in the second half while Rayo pushed for an equalizer through Álvaro García, who came close on a couple of occasions, including hitting the post.
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Sevilla achieved their goal of winning post-international break following two defeats, bringing their points tally to 18 and distancing themselves from the relegation zone, though concerns remain about Pimienta’s tactics. Meanwhile, Rayo’s erratic form continues, leaving them stranded on 16 points with three losses in their last four matches.
