Villarreal Vs Arsenal 2-1: Unai Emery's Proof To His Former Team

Villarreal Vs Arsenal (Twitter @Eng_Villarreal)

JAKARTA - Villarreal won the first leg of the Europa League semi-final against Arsenal with a score of 2-1 at the Stadion de la Ceramica, Villarreal, Spain, Thursday local time (Friday western Indonesia time).

This result was clearly a positive achievement for Unai Emery who faced his former team and Villarreal won thanks to goals from Manu Trigueros and Raul Albiol which could only be repaid once through Nicolas Pepe's penalty execution.

The match ended in a 10 vs 10 situation after Arsenal midfielder Dani Ceballos and Villarreal midfielder Etienne Capoue received a second yellow card from referee Artur Manuel Soares Dias, Antara noted according to the official UEFA website.

#UEL | A step forward. 💛

All to play for in London. ⚽ pic.twitter.com/6t3CK41Mfb

— Villarreal CF English (@Eng_Villarreal) April 29, 2021

With this result, Villarreal only needs a draw in the second leg at Arsenal headquarters on Thursday, May 6 next week.

The match will mark Emery's first return to training at the Emirates since being sacked by Arsenal on 29 November 2019.

Arsenal actually got off to a good start when Emile Smith Rowe opened the home defense and fed Pepe, who could not finish the attacking situation because the linesman had raised the flag for offside.

In the fifth minute, Samuel Chukwueze tries to stab into the Arsenal penalty area from the right, the ball that is lost from possession by chance is far ahead of Trigueros who coldly tricks goalkeeper Bernd Leno to put Villarreal in the lead.

Arsenal tried to retaliate, but Pepe's cross was intercepted at the near post area and Ceballos' through ball at Pepe was cut off by keeper Geronimo Rulli who meticulously left his nest.

Villarreal was actually able to double their lead in the 29th minute taking advantage of a corner which ended with Albiol's cross converted by Albiol in front of Arsenal's goal.

Five minutes later, the referee awarded Arsenal a penalty after Pepe was brought down by Juan Foyth, but that decision was later disallowed after VAR found Pepe first touching the ball with his hand in the process of attack.

Despite continuing to be under pressure, Villarreal took the big advantage in the 57th minute when Ceballos received a second yellow card for a late tackle on Dani Parejo, forcing Arsenal to continue with a 10-man appearance.

Situation 11 against 10 Villarreal tried to take advantage of to increase the advantage, unfortunately, Chukwueze's shot in the 61st minute was too close to Leno's coverage area.

Five minutes later, Leno made a brilliant save to save Moreno's dangerous shot over the crossbar.

In the 72nd minute, Arsenal finally won a penalty after Bukayo Saka was brought down by Trigueros in the forbidden area.

Pepe, who was the executioner, coldly tricked Rulli to reduce Arsenal 1-2 in the 73rd minute.

Four minutes later, the match was interrupted when Capoue and Saka both needed medical treatment. The late tackle incident against Saka made Capoue receive a second yellow card and the match situation was 10 against 10.

In the remaining time, the two teams are both trying to find additional goals, unfortunately, Moreno's shot can be read by Leno in the third minute of injury time and a minute later, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's dangerous opportunity is brilliantly countered by Rulli.

#UEL | 2-1 | ⏱️ 90'+5' | FULL-TIME.

The Yellows will go to London next Thursday with a 2-1 lead, thanks to goals from @Trigueros17 and @R_Albiol. pic.twitter.com/YMlaRsC0we

— Villarreal CF English (@Eng_Villarreal) April 29, 2021