Bruno Soriano returns Villarreal to winning ways

Exchange of blows

Granada's Youseff El Arabi had a great chance to score after an incisive pass from Ruben Rochina, but the striker was unable to beat Areola in the one on one, hitting the keeper on the chest. A few seconds later, Villarreal's Roberto Soldado was close to opening the scoring at the other end.

Granada counter-attacks

Led by an outstanding Rochina, who sprayed a number of marvellous passes around the pitch, Granada created a lot of trouble for the hosts during the first half. The best occasions fell to Isaac Success and El Arabi.

Bruno Soriano and Soldado

Villarreal started the second half with greater intensity. At a corner Cedric Bakambu headed goalwards but Andres Fernandez reacted with an excellent save. Shortly after, the referee awarded a penalty for a foul on Soldado. Bruno Soriano took it upon himself to net the opening goal, making it three from three from the penalty spot this season.

Barral is back

The player from San Fernando played his first minutes in a Granada shirt. After a short spell in the UAE, he has returned to the Liga BBVA and the Andalusians' new striker looked sharp, but he was unable to find a debut goal.

#VILvGCF 1-0
69' Change for #GranadaCF as @barral23 comes on for his debut, replacing Rober Ibáñez.#VamosMiGranada

— Granada C.F. (@GranadaCdeF_en) January 30, 2016

13th Villarreal victory

After consecutive draws, Marcelino’s side returned to winning ways, and strengthened their position in the Champions League places, moving level on points with third-placed Real Madrid ,who play on Sunday.