Villarreal: Sergio Asenjo, Mario, Musacchio, Dorado, Jaume Costa; Bruno, Manu Trigueros (Tomás Pina 59’); Javier Aquino (Hernán Pérez 71’), Giovani (Jonathan Pereira 79’), Moi Gómez; Uche. 4-2-3-1.
Almería: Esteban; Rafita, Trujillo, Torsiglieri, Dubarbier; Verza, Azeez; Aleix Vidal (Oscar Díaz 83’), Tébar (Soriano 77’), Helder Barbosa (Suso 46’); Jonathan Zongo. 4-2-3-1.
Goals:
1-0. 03. Uche. Controlled Giovani pass and steered shot inside near post.
2-0. 87. Bruno (penalty). After Rafita brought down Pereira inside the area.
Yellow cards: Uche 46’, Dubarbier 69’, Jaume Costa 81’.
Villarreal beat Almería 2-0 on Sunday afternoon to move up to fourth, above Athletic Bilbao pending their game on Monday. Uche opened the scoring in only the third minute after Giovani put him through, but for the rest of the first half chances were few and far between, a couple of long range efforts by Bruno and Trigueros the only action to stir the crowd. With Suso on at the break though the visitors pushed forward for the equalizer, Verza having a long shot saved by Sergio Asenjo, and Aleix Vidal seeing his effort deflected wide off Bruno. Aquino had to head the ball away from under the goalpost after Torsiglieri headed in a corner, and Suso fired another effort wide before coming up against Asenjo once again. Jonathan Pereira came on to liven things up however, and with three minutes to go he won his side a penalty after Rafita pushed him over in the area, Bruno stepping up to slot home the spot kick and make sure of the three points.