Villarreal boss Emery hails teamwork and sacrifice in key victory

Villarreal coach Unai Emery hailed the Yellow Submarine’s application in a crucial 2-0 win at top four rivals, Real Betis.  

El Submarino Amarillo came into Sunday’s match a full eight points behind Real Betis. Key striker Gerard Moreno had to go off injured after 35 minutes for Villarreal. A first half headed goal by Pau Torres from Alberto Moreno’s assist gave Emery’s side the lead. A late Etienne Capoue rocket from range then sealed the win.

Emery said post-match via Marca: “We started out needing the three points against a direct rival who is having a great season. The important thing was to work the game, adapt to the rival’s needs.

“We anticipated that it would not be possible to control the game with the ball like other times, and that we didn’t have to make mistakes in defense. We needed 90 minutes of constant teamwork and sacrifice.

“The satisfaction of playing a competitive game. They force us to defend lower than we like.

“We are closer in the league, we see a little more light. We will see what we are capable of. But after recovering people we have alternatives and that gives us confidence.”

Emery on Villarreal’s top four hopes

After his side’s 2-0 win at Real Betis on Sunday, Unai Emery commented on his side’s chances of a Champions League place. Real Betis, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are three of the sides currently above them in the fight for the top four. An injury to key striker Gerard Moreno will also play a major part.

Emery said: “We had three casualties left and now Gerard’s, which would be one more. But we have more resources that give us options.

“Now we will have to compete. Madrid, Granada, Juventus are coming… Motivations are important but the league is the one that will measure our strength. Betis will have demands with the Cup, we will see if we can be close to them and have the capacity to respond to what is coming.

“Barcelona has made an important market that will give it a boost. It will be difficult that it does not play the Champions League and Atletico, the same. Betis, Real Sociedad, Valencia, we… we will all fight.

“It will be disputed and beautiful. We are rowing to cut back after a start that was not good and we know it”.

Villarreal’s next match is a crucial home clash against log leaders, Real Madrid on Saturday.

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