Moreno magic sees off sorry Almeria

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Moreno magic sees off sorry Almeria
Updated
Moreno opened the scoring for Villarreal
Moreno opened the scoring for Villarreal
AFP
Almeria missed the chance to restore their two point cushion to the drop zone when conceding twice in the latter stages, succumbing to goals from Gerard Moreno and José Luis Morales, as Villarreal stepped up their chase on the top-four.

Despite going into this as clear underdogs, the Rojiblancos have been different animals at the Power Horse Stadium this season, with 22 of their 25 points coming at home including last weekend's giant killing over Barcelona. But they would need to make it back-to-back wins for the first time this season, if they were to push further clear of the relegation zone. They almost made the perfect start when Léo Baptistão spurned a glorious opportunity on the six-yard line, skewing wide following a fine Adri Embarba cross instead of sending the home crowd wild.

The Yellow Submarine grew into the game, but were visibly toothless in front of goal and failed to score before HT for a 10th time in 13 away games. Surely sensing that Villarreal could offer a lot more, Almeria’s head coach Rubi made a triple substitution at the break, including an injury-enforced change in goalkeeper. Incoming Diego Mariño was then forced into action immediately, saving well with his feet to deny a rueful Yeremy Pino one-on-one after he was played in on goal by Álex Baena.

Almeria’s defence retreated at the thought of losing a vital point as the minutes ticked by, and they were made to pay for their lack of ambition with a killer Moreno blow. After coming on as a substitute following injury, he was found on the penalty spot by Samuel Chukwueze and finished with aplomb curling beyond Mariño to once again stoke European aspirations. There was still time for Morales to add insult to injury too, volleying home a late second to ensure that Villarreal were put firmly back in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) hunt, now only five points behind fourth placed Atlético Madrid.

Flashscore Player of the Match: Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal)

See stats from the match at Flashscore

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