Spain

Villarreal 1-0 Puertollano (2-1 agg): Rossi Strike Sends Yellow Submarines Through

The Primera Division side sneak through to the next round - but only just.

Nov 10, 2009 3:20:44 PM

Diego Godin, Santi Cazorla, Villarreal (MARCA)

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Diego Godin, Santi Cazorla, Villarreal (MARCA)

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A goal from Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi proved enough to hand Villarreal a slender 1-0 victory over a stubborn Puertollano side at El Madrigal this evening, to book their passage into the fifth round of the Copa del Rey.

The former Manchester United pounced 16 minutes from time to save Ernesto Valverde's blushes, but the provincial club pushed them all the way in what was a closer encounter than many had predicted.

Faced with a growing injury list after Joseba Llorente joined Marcos Senna and Santi Cazorla on the sidelines, Valverde played a strong side to ensure progression to the next round.

Despite dominating possession from kick-off, the Yellow Submarines found their less illustrious opponents difficult to break down. Damian Escudero had an early effort that whizzed over the crossbar, but other than that attacking play was at a premium and the home crowd grew increasingly frustrated at their side's lack of flair and potency.

Puertollano, to their credit, defended stoutly and despite offering little in opposition territory were still in the contest as the minutes ticked past.

But their resistance was finally broken on 74 minutes. Cani played a neat pass to Jonathan Pereira, and his pass found Giuseppe Rossi unmarked to net what proved to be the winner.

However, dramatically, Puertollano almost notched a shock leveler in the dying embers of the match. Acoran smashed his effort against the base of 'keeper Oliva's post, and the ball agonizingly rebounded to safety, much to the relief of Valverde and his players.

As Villarreal played for time, Puertollano stopper Pelegrina was given his marching orders for a challenge on Cani, but his dismissal could not mar what had been a proud display from the plucky challengers.

The Yellow Submarines were in the end simply happy to negotiate the tie, and they can now look forward to a fifth round clash.

Paul Macdonald, Goal.com

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