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Villarreal get a massive win in Montilivi with an Etta Eyong goal in the 89th minute

Villarreal secured a victory that tasted really sweet at Montilivi with a big goal from Etta Eyong in the 89th minute, allowing the Yellows to stay in fifth place, which would earn them the right to play in the Champions League next season. With three matches left in LALIGA and with a place in the UEFA Europa League already secured, the Yellows remain in a tough fight to compete in the top continental competition.

It was an open and hard-fought first half. In the 22nd minute, Ayoze had the first chance for the Yellows with three shots that Gazzaniga, alert, ended up blocking twice until the striker scored on his third attempt, although the referee ended up ruling out the goal for handball.

Seven minutes later, the Yellows tried again with a free kick from Baena, which reached Foyth’s head, but the Argentine goalkeeper once again blocked the Villarreal effort. In the 37th minute, the ever-dangerous Pepe got away from his opponent, allowing Gazzaniga to once again thwart the Yellows’ attack.

Just two minutes later, one of the most controversial moments of the game came with a possible penalty on Baena after a very clear double grab by Herrera and Arthur in the area, which the referee deemed not to be a foul.

In the second half, Villarreal took more of the initiative, although Girona tightened their lines and took a defensive stance. Despite Marcelino’s men barely having any defensive scares, getting into the game proved much more difficult in the second half. Baena had a good chance with a superb shot from distance, but the best was yet to come.

Five minutes from time, Marcelino brought on young B team striker Etta Eyong, who had already been on the verge of making his goalscoring debut against Real Sociedad only to see his late effort ruled out that day.

It only took four minutes. In the 89th minute, Alfonso Pedraza ran down the flank and played a spectacular cross into the box, which the Cameroonian expertly headed home for a goal that tasted really sweet and were worth the three points.

Next up for Villarreal will be a midweek game on Matchday 36 on Wednesday 14th May against Leganés at the Estadio de la Cerámica (7pm CEST).