UEFA Europa Conference League: Villarreal claims narrow win in Austria

Villarreal continued their dominance on Matchday 4 in the Europa Conference league on Thursday night after a 1-0 victory over Austria Wien thanks to a Nicolas Jackson strike.

The LaLiga side, having already secured qualifications for the next round, refused to show any signs of slowing down as they comfortably lead the pack in Group C.

Following a 5-0 win at home in the first leg, Unai Emery rested some of his key players as he handed starts to the likes of Alex Baena, Johan Mojica, Manu Morlanes, and Aisa Mandi. With regular suspects Dani Parejo, Etienne Capoue, Pedraza, Jeremy Pino, and Pau Torres on the bench, the yellow submarines got the job done in the end.

Arnaut Danjuma remained a constant threat in the flesh of the Austrian side as he missed several chances to put his side ahead. The first half ended with the sides failing to break the deadlock.

With the immediate resumption of the second half, Emery brought center-back Pau Torres to replace veteran Raul Albiol.

The host came close to scoring in the 51st minute when Alexander Jukic’s long-range effort some the left side was comfortably dealt with by Pepe Reina.

The second change for the half saw Francis Coquelin forced off with a suspected injury, with Jose Morales coming in to fill for the Frenchman. While Nicolas Jackson replaced Dutchman Arnaut Danjuna.

The substitutions, however, paid off, and eventually scored in the 87th minute after Nicolas Jackson’s strike fizzed past the helpless Christain Fruchtl.

Villarreal continue to maintain their percent record in the group stages.