Villarreal 3-1 Las Palmas
Villarreal emerged victorious from a thrilling encounter, in which Las Palmas once again showed plenty of quality but little punch.
The visitors started better, forcing Diego Conde into an excellent save from Ollie McBurnie, before Alberto Moleiro raced past several defenders to lay it on a tackle for Fabio Silva. The Portuguese, in the penalty area, shot widely to everyone’s amazement.
Villarreal were very threatening though and also forced a good save from Dinko Horkas. However, just before halftime, the Yellow Submarine stole the first goal, breaking out of bounds thanks to Thierno Barry, who passed the ball in place of Nicolas Pepe. The Ivorian did not spare in the area.
In the second half, Marcelino Garcia Toral sent on Alex Baena, but it was Adnan Januzaj who provided a fine assist from the outside of the boot behind for Silva, who this time lifted the ball past the onrushing Condé. Baena would then miss a penalty a few minutes later, brilliantly saved by Horkas on the woodwork. Januzaj almost made things worse but his efforts, all in the first ten minutes of the second half, fell off the post.
But the last half hour belonged to Villarreal who won the match. Barry thought he had the green light, but he confusedly hit Eric Bailly’s head from an offside position. His header was destined for the corner as it was. However, Barry would head in the winner just five minutes from time, converting a magnificent cross from Baena. The Spain international then delivered a knockout blow, driving almost halfway into the box and finishing in stoppage time.
Marcelino’s men move back up to third place ahead of their trip to Real Madrid, once again demonstrating the huge goal threat they possess, even if they have a few hiccups along the way. However, Luis Carrion will feel increasingly in danger as his team remains last with just three draws in eight games. Once again, they will feel like they showed a lot of quality, but couldn’t make a difference on the margins.
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