Villarreal recorded an important victory in the battle for European football on Tuesday evening. The number seven of LaLiga was 2-0 too strong for Valencia thanks to a double hit by Arnaut Danjuma, which gave many players a rest. With the win, Villarreal is three points away from number six Real Sociedad, who still have one game to go. The top six qualify for European football, although Villarreal can still secure a Champions League qualification by winning the tournament this season.
It was a memorable day for Jasper Cillessen, who was back on the field after ninety days. He was injured against Sevilla (1-1) on January 19 and had to undergo calf surgery. In Valencia’s last three games, he was part of the squad again, but was on the bench. However, Cillessen’s starting spot seems to confirm that he counts as second goalkeeper, because coach José Bordalás is preparing a B-team with a view to Saturday’s cup final against Real Betis. Compared to the competition match with Osasuna (1-2 defeat) on Saturday, only Hélder Costa and Uros Racic kept their base place.
Danjuma had to make do with a thirty-minute substitute in the last two league games, but this time had a basic place and paid back their confidence. After nine minutes the attacker was allowed to aim from eleven meters and he sent Cillessen the wrong way with a low shot into the left corner. The penalty was the result of a handball by defender Eray Comert after a header by Aïssa Mandi. Danjuma doubled the margin not much later. After a tight pass from Juan Foyth, Danjuma appeared behind Valencia’s defense and fired diagonally into the right corner.
On the stroke of half-time, Danjuma tried to complete his hat-trick with a shot into the left corner, but this time Cillessen made the save. Halfway through the second half, a connecting goal by Denis Cheryshev was disallowed for offside; a bet by Marcos André from the edge of the penalty area sailed just wide. Valencia looked for 2-1, but in the last ten minutes, Villarreal was especially dangerous. Despite several attempts by Samuel Chukwueze, it remained 2-0.