Second preseason match for Villarreal CF
The groguet team started slow but improved as the match progressed, showing superiority even in the first half. They dominated the ball without opposition, moving it fluidly to the opponent's area and quickly recovering it in the opposing half, although they couldn't capitalize on their numerous scoring chances. The captain, Manu Trigueros, had the first opportunity, showing a lot of activity from the beginning of the match. He also participated in another dangerous play with Pau Cabanes before the first fifteen minutes, culminating in a powerful shot from the edge of the box.
Marcelino's team continued to control the game, but in the 36th minute, after a double chance from Danjuma and Comesaña, FC Sion took the lead on a counterattack. Villarreal's response was positive, creating two more opportunities before the break, with a shot from Pape Gueye hitting the post and another from Altimira.
Con un once casi completamente diferente (siete cambios), el desarrollo del partido en la segunda mitad fue similar. Los extremos Haissem Hassan y Yeremy Pino destacaron en los primeros 20 minutos, especialmente el jugador canario, que fue clave en los dos goles de la remontada. Pape Gueye, uno de los nuevos fichajes, anotó el primer gol tras cambiar su posición para jugar en la doble punta. El segundo gol fue de Ramon Terrats, asistido por Arnau Solà poco después de su ingreso al partido.
Finally, after three clear chances for Villarreal to score a third goal, Yeremy Pino converted a penalty won by youth player Douga Fofana under great pressure, extending the lead and securing the first victory in Villarreal CF's second preseason match.
Final score: 3-1 for Villarreal CF. Goals: Pape Gueye, Ramon Terrats, and Yeremy Pino (penalty). MVP: Yeremy Pino.
Highlights of the match
Submarino Amarillo highlights
- 1. The Return of Juan Foyth and Yeremy Pino: In this second preseason match, we had the opportunity to see the two players who missed most of last season due to injury. Although they played in the previous match, it wasn't broadcasted, so fans couldn't see the level of play and intensity with which they have returned. Yeremy Pino, in particular, was very active and crucial in attack, participating in all three goals. Also noteworthy were the performances of Pape Gueye and Ramón Terrats.
- 2. Pressing After Losing the Ball: Villarreal CF wants to control possession; it's their style of play. Ball dominance is fundamental for Marcelino, and that's why as soon as the team loses possession, the offensive mindset quickly shifts to a high-intensity defensive one, with the forwards becoming the first line of pressure in the midfield third. This made it difficult for FC Sion to build from the back and often forced their defenders or goalkeeper to attempt long passes to the flanks, which usually ended up in Villarreal CF's possession.
- 3. High Physical Intensity: Despite being only the second preseason match, Villarreal CF displayed a physical condition significantly superior to the same stage of last preseason and even higher than at the beginning of the 23/24 season. Marcelino mentioned after the match that they are trying to find a balance between physical intensity and avoiding injuries. So far, it seems to be working.
- 4. Youth Players: Villarreal CF has always relied heavily on its youth academy. This preseason, we have the chance to see players from the lower categories like Haissem Hassan, Douga Fofana, and Alassane Diatta, among others. Hassan and Fofana left a very good impression and are players to watch in the near future.
- 5. Marcelino. Todo lo mencionado arriba se puede resumir en: estilo Marcelino. Equipo físico, de gran intensidad, que quiere tener la pelota. Mucha importancia de los extremos que deben ser habilidosos y rápidos en ataque y no escatimar en labores defensivas.
Full match
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