Data sheet
Villarreal secured a solid 0-2 victory away to Almeria, with Gerard Moreno and Jose Luis Morales delivering decisive goals near the end. The visitors from Castellón imposed their rhythm late, taking control in the closing stages while Almeria stayed perilously close to the relegation zone throughout the match.
After an unconvincing first half that seemed to belong to Villarreal, Quique Setién’s side found the breakthrough with a precise long-range strike from Gerard Moreno in stoppage time, followed by Morales converting a well-worked move to extend the lead. This sequence handed Villarreal the initiative at a moment when the game appeared balanced and the home side began to tighten up defensively in the final third.
In the opening period, Villarreal pressed higher, forcing Almeria to concede space. Almeria keeper Fernando Martinez had to be alert on several occasions, with Ramon Terrats’ strike in the 7th minute narrowly missing the target as one of the best chances of the half. As the first half unfolded, Villarreal kept most of the possession and created chances through patient build-ups and rapid transitions.
The match carried a lively tempo, with both teams producing moments of quality. At times the pace dropped, but the intensity remained high as Villarreal looked to press and Almeria sought quick transitions. Morales, Morale and the midfielders contributed to the attacking thrust, while Almeria looked for openings through quick passing and through balls to catch the Villarreal defense off guard.
As the action resumed after the break, Almeria attempted to shift the balance by making changes aimed at increasing pressure in the middle of the park. In the midfield, Samu Costa came on to add bite, while teammates Fernando Martinez and Sergio Akieme faced injuries that tested the hosts. The tactical move gave Almeria a renewed push to destabilize Villarreal’s back line and challenge the goalkeeper from distance and set pieces.
Moments later, Luis Suárez tried his luck with a shot that required a save from the Villarreal keeper, and Yéremy Pino and Diego Mariño were involved in a sequence that kept the scoreline tight. El Bilal Touré for Almeria and Morales for Villarreal both sought to unlock defenses, exchanging forays into the last third. The contest remained tight and nervy, with Villarreal regaining control through tempo and positional play.
With the match drifting toward the final quarter, Villarreal struck decisively. Capoue and Gerard Moreno were introduced to boost the attacking options, and in the 75th minute Moreno produced a powerful finish that left Mariño no chance. Seven minutes later Morales sealed the three points for Villarreal after collecting a cross and firing decisively, cementing the result and tipping the balance away from Almeria in the closing stages.
Post-match reaction emphasized Villarreal’s disciplined approach and clear intent to convert pressure into goals as the match wore on. The late goals reflected the team’s sustained forward momentum and the effectiveness of Setién’s substitutions, which provided fresh energy and ensured longer spells of dominance in the final third. Almeria did not manage to equalize, despite late attempts to reassert themselves and create high-quality chances as the clock wound down.
Fans and pundits noted the tactical discipline of Villarreal as a key factor in securing victory. Morales, Chukwueze, and Moreno formed the core of the attacking triangle, with the defense holding firm under sustained pressure. The result kept Villarreal in a strong position in the standings while Almeria faced the tough task of climbing out of the relegation zone with upcoming fixtures. The atmosphere at the Power Horse Stadium reflected the intensity and stakes of a late-season La Liga clash, with supporters appreciating the strategic patience and finishing quality demonstrated by the visitors.
Final score analysis shows Villarreal executing their plan with precision in the closing stages, translating pressure into two vital goals. The performance highlighted the team’s balance between organization at the back and a dynamic attack capable of exploiting spaces behind Almeria’s lines. In a match where control shifted across phases, Villarreal emerged as the more clinical side when it mattered most.
Source: Movistar Plus, La Liga coverage and post-match summaries provided interpretation of events and key moments during the match.