Marcelino calls Villarreal defeat ‘undeserved’ but praises the efficiency of Barcelona in 2-0 loss

FC Barcelona closed out the calendar 12 months with a press release victory away from residence, overcoming Villarreal CF 0-2 at La Cerámica in a high-level conflict that carried main significance within the La Liga title race.

The win additional strengthened Barcelona’s place on the high of the desk, the place they now lead with 46 factors from 18 matches. Actual Madrid observe with 42 factors from 18 video games, Atlético Madrid sit third on 37 factors after the identical variety of matches, whereas Villarreal are fourth with 35 factors from 16 video games, retaining two video games in hand on the highest three.

With Actual Madrid conserving the strain on on the high of the desk, La Blaugrana arrived understanding there was little margin for error. Targets from Raphinha from the penalty spot and Lamine Yamal ensured all three factors for Hansi Flick’s facet, confirming Barça as winter champions and handing Villarreal their first residence league defeat of the season.

Villarreal, regardless of the defeat, stay well-positioned within the standings and as soon as once more confirmed why they’re thought of some of the aggressive sides within the league.

After the ultimate whistle, as reported by Sports activities WorldVillarreal head coach Marcelino García Toral spoke to the media and addressed a number of key facets of the sport, providing a agency defence of his staff’s efficiency whereas expressing frustration with decisive refereeing calls.

Marcelino started by sharing his total view of the match, insisting that Villarreal had been superior for lengthy spells and created the clearer probabilities, even when they didn’t convert them. Emphasising the discomfort his facet precipitated the league leaders, he mentioned:

“I feel we will all agree. We noticed a terrific Villarreal, huge. We had the probabilities, however we didn’t take them. They’d possession, however not probabilities. They have been very uncomfortable. Our probabilities have been clearer.”

Persevering with that line of argument, the Villarreal coach singled out Barcelona’s goalkeeper as a decisive issue within the last scoreline, suggesting that particular person brilliance performed a key function in preserving Barça’s lead. In that context, Marcelino acknowledged:

“I feel Barça’s standout participant at this time was the goalkeeper.”

The dialogue then turned to the crimson card proven to Renato Veiga for a problem on Lamine Yamal simply earlier than half-time. Marcelino acknowledged that the choice might be justified however questioned the consistency of refereeing requirements throughout matches. Reflecting on the incident, he defined:

“It’s a disgrace concerning the crimson card; it might be truthful, I’m not saying it isn’t, however yesterday—Saturday—I noticed extra harmful tackles than this that have been punished with a yellow. Now we have to keep away from that type of motion; it was pointless and intense. Some referees name issues a method and others one other; we’ve got to respect it.”

Marcelino additionally centered on the penalty awarded to Barcelona after a foul on Raphinha, which he felt was a decisive second within the match. Arguing that the decision, mixed with the numerical drawback, swung the steadiness of the sport, he mentioned:

“They took benefit of a little bit penalty and that numerical superiority. It’s a disgrace. I’m rather more proud than unhappy as a result of the ultimate consequence was undeserved. Within the first half, there was a ‘little penalty’ that was given, and within the second one other that wasn’t.”

Regardless of taking part in a lot of the match with 10 males, Marcelino was eager to reward his staff’s mentality and aggressive spirit. Highlighting their refusal to break down in opposition to the league leaders, he mentioned:

“We’re at that time within the season the place the opponent doesn’t create a lot however hurts you. We will’t cease believing. The staff hadn’t misplaced its soccer or competitiveness. I can solely congratulate my gamers. Even with 10, we competed and created probabilities. What extra can I ask?”

From a tactical standpoint, the Villarreal coach defined how his facet adjusted after going behind and being lowered to 10 gamers, notably in opposition to a Barcelona staff snug in possession. Detailing the strategy, he famous:

“Towards Barcelona, trailing on the scoreboard, you’re compelled to defend in a low block. We did it very effectively,” he detailed. “We had two pivots and the choice of Moleiro to play with depth. We defended very effectively.”

Marcelino additionally mirrored on Villarreal’s robust begin to the match, expressing remorse that they didn’t capitalise after they had 11 gamers on the pitch. Wanting again at that opening part, he admitted:

“It’s a disgrace as a result of within the first quarter of an hour, and even after, the truthful factor is that we should always have been forward. However that’s soccer.”

Turning to particular person performances, Marcelino praised Alberto Moleiro’s improvement and consistency since becoming a member of the membership. Highlighting his mentality and work ethic, he mentioned:

“Efficiency is the results of work. Now he’s extra constant, and that’s improved him. He’s very self-critical, desires perfection, and has super will. It’s been a terrific signing for Villarreal.”

Lastly, Marcelino defined his choice to not introduce Gerard Moreno, pointing to the context of the sport after the crimson card and the staff’s deep defensive positioning. Clarifying the state of affairs, he acknowledged:

“With a good scoreline and eleven in opposition to eleven, he would undoubtedly have come on. However we have been too deep, and Gerard wants extra of the ball and fewer distance to the opposition objective to indicate his qualities.”

From Barcelona’s perspective, the victory at La Cerámica additional underlined the staff’s rising authority within the title race. Successful away in opposition to a Villarreal facet that continues to be firmly in rivalry and nonetheless has video games in hand is the kind of consequence that usually defines title-winning campaigns.

FC Barcelona confirmed composure below strain, relied on decisive particular person high quality, and managed key moments with maturity. With a four-point benefit over Actual Madrid and momentum firmly on their facet, Hansi Flick’s staff heads into the second half of the season because the facet to beat in La Liga.