The victory by Villarreal was a significant step for the team, lifting them to the top of the solo standings in Israel and reinforcing their position as a leading side in Group F. Morales found the net from the penalty spot, while Baena added another goal, delivering the three points in the most straightforward way possible and keeping the yellow submarine on course for the next round.
The opening period unfolded with a touch of chaos, reminiscent of the earlier clash with Lech Poznan. The visitors from Villarreal appeared uneasy and pressed high, but failed to translate that pressure into a decisive breakthrough. The home crowd backed their team as they pressed the Yellow Submarine back, yet the visitors did not crack. An early mistake by Glazer’s team set the stage for a penalty against Baena, a moment that transformed Morales into a crucial talisman for his side as he notched his third of the season from the spot.
The second half followed a similar script. Hapoel Beer Sheva returned with intensity, yet Villarreal remained disciplined at the back, stifling Barda’s attempts through organized defensive work and careful game management near the edge of the box. Hatuel created the moment that temporarily leveled the score, firing into the top corner after a poor clearance allowed Hemed to slip a pass through. The stadium roared, but the jubilation was brief. Only five minutes later, Baena produced a precise cross from Yeremi Pino that unsettled the hosts again and rebalanced the match in Villarreal’s favor.
From that point, Villarreal assumed control. They stretched the lead with a clinical finish by Jackson, initially converting into an empty net before the chance to seal the game with a later attempt by Danjuma, which sailed over the bar in a reminder that even comfortable leads require focus. The Spanish side managed to maintain their advantage and keep Hapoel at arm’s length, closing out another win on the road and returning to the top of the group standings as the frontrunners in pursuit of qualification.
Three more points were secured, and Villarreal returned home with the sense of a job well done and a clear message to the rest of the group: the Yellow Submarine are ready for the challenges ahead as leaders in the standings.
Data sheet
Hapoel Beer Sheva
Glazer, Dadia, Tibi, Miguel Vitor, Abu Abaid (Suleymanov, m.71), Hélder Lopes, Safouri (Micha, m.71), Bareiro, Shamir (Jehezkel, m.83), Ansah (Hatuel, m.57) and Selmani (Hemed, m.57).
Villareal
Jorgensen, Dela (Kiko Femenía, m.46), Mandi, Cuenca, Mojica, Chukwueze, Morlanes (Danjuma, m.75), Coquelin (Parejo, m.58), Álex Baena, Yeremi Pino (Chukwueze, m.46) and Morales (Capoue, art. 58).
targets
0-1 Morales (s. 1:28). 1-1 Hatuel (s. 64). 1-2 Alex Baena (s. 67).
Judge
Collum (Scotland). TA: Selmani (24′), Hatuel (60), Bareiro (84′) and Suleymanov (92′) / Yeremi Pino (46′), Cuenca (78′) and Mojica (83′).
Events
Toto Turner Stadium (10,400 spectators).