UEFA Europa Conference League: Villareal progress despite loss in Poland

Spanish side Villareal secured passage into the round of 16 despite a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Lech Poznan.

With qualification already confirmed, the Yellow submarines went into the matchday six fixture sitting comfortably on top of Group C with 13 points.

New boss Quique Setien fielded a second-string side with big names on the bench given a rest for the weekend’s domestic game.

The Spanish boss went with a 4-3-3 formation with Jose Luis Morales, Nicolas Jackson, and Yeremy Pino leading the line.

The hosts were the side who had something to fight for as they were tied on points with Israeli side Hapoel Beer Sheva. All that was needed was a vital victory which they did successfully on the night.

Villareal came close to opening the scoring after being awarded a corner when Nicolas Jackson’s effort went wide to the left.

The 21- year old was presented with another chance after a brilliant pass from Manu Morales, only for the forward to shoot sky-high again.

The hosts slowly began to grow into the game and were presented with an opportunity of their own through Mikael Ishak, but they failed to get it on target likewise.

Finally, the host drew the first blood in the 27th minute when Kristoffer Velde opened the scoring with a beautifully struck effort down the bottom right corner of the goal to establish a 1-0 lead as both teams went for the halftime break.

Second-half proceedings began, and the bright Velde squared a lovely pass to Michal Skoras to double the lead in the 51st minute. The visitors tried to claw back their way into the game but were let down by missed chances from their frontman.

Setien made some changes, with Dani Parejo, Etienne Capoue, and Kiko Femenia coming to salvage at least a point from the game.

The host dashed all hopes for a comeback for the visitors as they scored the third in the 77th minute as the impressive Skora’s scored his second on the night to condemn Villareal to a defeat.

Akinnifesi Olumide