Marcelino García Toral began his second spell as Villarreal coach this week with a blend of pain and triumph after extra time in the first round of the Copa del Rey against Zamora CF, a team considered modest in stature but hungry for a result that would shake the status quo.
García Toral, set to debut in the Cerámica stadium on Sunday against Osasuna, navigated a challenging test with a squad stretched by injuries and suspensions. The opponent, three tiers below Villarreal, presented a tactical puzzle that initially offered little threat, yet the match quickly evolved into a demanding workout for the Yellow Submarine.
From the opening minutes, Villarreal asserted control, circulating the ball with intent and pressing high, while Zamora relied on sharp counters. The visitors issued the first real warning at the edge of the box after a foul near the touchline, with Dani Parejo coming close from a left-footed strike that demanded attention from the goalkeeper.
Pedraza repeatedly threatened down the left flank, and Villarreal dominated possession during the first half. Yet the score remained level as Zamora’s defense held firm and the away team found little room to exploit on the wings, frustrating Villarreal’s attempts to unlock the door with vertical runs.
Despite Villarreal’s clear dominance, the goal line remained stubbornly unbreached as Fermín, Zamora’s goalkeeper, produced a string of crucial saves, maintaining the balance of the contest. The local goal remained under siege as Marcelino’s men pressed relentlessly in search of a breakthrough.
In the opening moments of the second half, a set piece shifted the tie. A volley from Etxaburu found its way past Reina and into the net, turning the momentum in Zamora’s favor and forcing Villarreal to respond with renewed urgency.
Morales, Zamora’s attacker, capitalized on Villarreal’s nerves to set up a dangerous moment on the counter. Villarreal responded with a strong spell of pressure around the 60th minute as Baena’s strike tested Fermín, who again proved why he is considered one of the competition’s standout shot-stoppers. The match continued to tilt with Villarreal’s intent but without a definitive finish through the hour mark.
The visitors intensified their efforts with Gerard and Capoue joining the attack, and Akhomach entering the fray. They tried to inject verticality into a game that often became congested in the middle third, as Zamora organized compact lines and looked to exploit spaces on the break.
With minutes slipping away, Morales again found space for a chance, steering a rebound past Fermín after a Gerard header few seconds earlier had forced a reaction. The goal kept Zamora in the contest and extended the drama into stoppage time, where Villarreal pressed for a late equalizer to avoid a shock exit.
As extra time began, calm and composure resurfaced for Villarreal. A measured move from the right wing culminated with Morales finishing coolly inside the near post, restoring parity and reigniting Villarreal’s momentum. Zamora responded with stubborn defense, yet the Yellow Submarine found renewed purpose in the extra period.
Although Zamora created a handful of chances in the closing minutes, the result stood firm and Marcelino advanced to the round of 32. The debut match proved more arduous than expected, but it reinforced Villarreal’s resolve and provided a clear signal of the coach’s approach and philosophy as the season resumes.
Data sheet:
1- Zamora CF: Sobron, Parra, Then, Bolo, Marcé, Mancebo, Etxaburu, Ramos, Dani Hernández, Rivas, Priego. Substitutes: Barrios, Alejandro Morales, Baldrich.
2- Villarreal CF: Reina, Pedraza, Cuenca, Albiol, Altimira, Moreno, Trigueros, Comesaña, Parejo, Femenía, Morales. Substitutes: Baena, Gerard Moreno, Capoue, Akhomach, Pascual.
Goals: 1-0 Etxebarri, 1-1 Morales, 1-2 Morales.
Referee: Ortiz Arias (Madrid school).
Attendance: More than 5,000 at the Ruta de la Plata stadium in Zamora.