The Yellow Submarine knew their game in hand over Real Betis represented a pivotal chance to leapfrog into the European places. And while their dominance was clear from the outset, the first half saw two key VAR interventions frustrate their efforts.
Juan Foyth appeared to have won a penalty early on after a collision with Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, but referee Juan Munuera overturned his initial decision following a VAR review. Minutes later, Thierno Barry had a goal ruled out for offside after tapping in the rebound from a Santi Comesana shot.
Villarreal maintained their composure, and scored seven minutes into the second half.
Nicolas Pepe linked up with Comesana before threading a smart ball through to Yeremy Pino, who calmly slotted home to score what would prove to be the decisive goal.
Espanyol, who rarely threatened, couldn’t mount a meaningful response.
The result puts Villarreal’s Champions League destiny firmly in their own hands, as they head into the final stretch of the campaign with momentum and renewed confidence.
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