Villarreal extends positive run with late winner
Alberto Moleiro came off the bench to help Villarreal extend its winning run in LaLiga, netting the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Athletic Club at Estadio de la Ceramica.
The Yellow Submarine followed up recent wins over Osasuna and Sevilla with a clinical performance against Athletic, securing a third consecutive victory.
Santiago Mourino came close to testing Unai Simon with a powerful strike from range just three minutes in, but his shot rose over the bar.
Gorka Guruzeta then twice worked Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior as Athletic dominated possession across the opening stages.
After a tepid first half, substitute Moleiro finally broke the deadlock in the 77th minute with a crisply-taken half-volley.
The ball pin-balled around Athletic’s box after Sergi Cardona’s far-post cross, and a poor clearance made room for Moleiro to bury a driven shot into the near post.
Alejandro Rego nearly salvaged a point for Athletic, striking the bar with a stunning long-range effort, but Villarreal held firm.
The victory keeps Villarreal in third place, behind Real Madrid and Barcelona, while Athletic remains eighth, level on 10 points with Elche.
