Villarreal gives no option to Athletic

Change of plans

Villarreal was forced to do without one of its major stars in the attack: Bakambu. The "Amarillo" striker, who has scored three goals in Liga BBVA, was injured and had to leave the pitch after 15 minutes. The player from Democrat Republic of Congo was replaced by Léo Baptistão, who would end up being decisive.

800th goal

Before the break, the hosts were able to take advantage from the penalty spot. Bruno Soriano, "Yellow Submarine" skipper, made no mistake from the eleven meters and scored the 800th goal in the history of Villarreal in Liga BBVA.

Mario´s smashing kick

Athletic went out for an equalizer in the second half. Ernesto Valverde put into play some key pieces like Aritz Aduriz and Raúl García, but Villarreal soon struck again. Mario Gaspar with a powerful shot from outside the area, sent the ball to the top corner and made the 2-0 on the scoreboard.

Areola avoided surprises

The Basque side came close to threatening Villarreal´s calm, if it wasn't for a savior stop by Alfonso Areola. Aduriz was who fondled it the 2-1 with a shoot to the near post, but he faced an extraordinary save by the French goalkeeper.

Baptistão scored the finisher

The Spanish-Brazilian striker was responsible for putting on track the match for the hosts. After a good personal action of Adrián López, Baptistão got the ball inside the area and beat Gorka Iraizoz with a cross shoot . Aduriz made it 3-1 in the final minutes, but it was not enough to the "Leones".