Villarreal 1-0 Celtic

A wonderful free kick from Marcos Senna gave Villarreal their first win of the Champions League campaign and thus elevated them above a Celtic side still seeking their first victory...El Madrigal was the venue this for this crucial group stage clash. Villarreal knew that a victory would put daylight between themselves and tonight’s opponents, and with a double header against Aalborg to come, would leave them in a strong position for qualification. Celtic however, after their disappointing 0-0 draw with the Danes, realistically needed a least a point to stay in with a chance of getting through, particularly with their abysmal record on the road. For the Yellow Submarines, Rossi started a match for the first time this season, partnering Llorente up front. Celtic opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Georgios Samaras preferred in the lone striking role. Celtic started in a positive manner, pushing the home side back with some confident passing play. They appeared to be unnerved by the imposing surroundings, and were comfortable with their new look formation, one which they have honed over the summer to be used in situations precisely like this. An early flurry of corners instilled confidence, and Maloney began dribbling at Angel, making him commit himself. From the resulting free kick Lopez easily gathered the diminutive Scotsman’s’ effort. Celtic however could be satisfied with their start. A team of Villarreal’s quality will inevitably create chances though, and they fashioned the best chance of the early stages, when Eguren flashed a header wide from ten yards. He perhaps should have done better, and while not quite a let-off, the Glasgow side were left with a warning that any loss of concentration would be punished in kind. Senna struck a twenty-five yard effort marginally wide minutes later, and you felt that they were gradually moving through the gears. Soon after Rossi, and then Llorente, should have punished the static back line of Celtic. A hopeful long ball left Caldwell and McManus flat-footed, and the Italian was pitted in a race versus Boruc. The Pole won the sprint, but as the ball broke to Llorente at the edge of the box he contrived to blaze wide as defenders rushed to get back onto the line. Celtic continued to make life difficult for their Spanish opponents, staying tight and not allowing the likes of Senna and Cazorla to exhort their influence. The latter however did manage to sneak in behind left back Lee Naylor on the half-hour, cutting the ball back superbly to Rossi, whose shot was flicked over the bar by the outstretched arm of Boruc. These glimpses were sporadic though; and after not making the most of their possession, it was the Scottish champions who had the best chance of the half. A simple punt forward left Godin swiping at fresh air, and Samaras found himself through on goal. He dallied however instead of powering towards Lopez, and in the end his right foot strike was straight at the chest of the goalkeeper. It was poor play – he really should have sent Celtic in ahead. Despite Pires and Rossi peppering the Celtic goal with shots on half-time, they could not genuinely test Boruc, and a stalemate was probably a fair reflection of the half. Right at the start of the second period, McManus had a flick from a Caldwell knockdown that, if had landed either side of Lopez, was a certain goal. At the other end, Rossi strode forward menacingly only to drill his effort agonisingly wide. The game was opening out, and it made for an infinitely superior spectacle. Villarreal knew that a draw would be a disappointing result, and started to assert the play to break down an extremely disciplined Celtic back line. Cazorla struck from long range but it was easily gathered by Boruc, and there was an air of frustration starting to creep into their offensive movement. Senna then stung Boruc’s gloves, his fourth long range effort of the match, and it was a sign of what was to follow. The Brazilian born maestro then curled a free-kick full of finesse into the right hand corner of the net, giving the Polish keeper no chance and putting his side into a belated lead. 1-0 to La Liga’s leaders. How would Celtic react? Their game plan had been torn asunder by a piece of magic, and now they would have to chase the game against one of the best passing sides in Europe. Striker Scott McDonald replaced Maloney, and Nakamura was replaced by Barry Robson as the away side went to 4-4-2 and in search of an equaliser. The change almost paid dividends immediately as McDonald struck a sweet volley from the edge of the box that dipped inches over the bar. It was a great effort, and a sign that the match wasn’t over yet. But Villarreal then rang the changes and set about finishing off the match. Ibagaza replaced Rossi, and he went on a mazy run and played a glorious chipped pass to Llorente, whose initial effort was blocked by McManus, then Boruc saved the big strikers second effort from close range. Cazorla then struck an effort that was expertly tipped round the post by the impressive Boruc. Celtic’s attack eventually petered out rather disappointingly, allowing Villarreal to play out the match with supreme professionalism, and relative ease. It was a worthy, and hard-earned, victory for the Spanish side and Celtic must continue to search for that ever-elusive away victory. Celtic (4-2-3-1): Boruc; Wilson, McManus, Caldwell, Naylor; Brown, Hartley (Van Hesselink 81) , Nakamura (Robson 73), Maloney (McDonald 71), McGeady; Samaras Villarreal (4-4-2): Diego Lopez, Angel, Gonzalo, Godin, Capdevilla; Pires (Bruno 81) Senna, Eguren, Cazorla (Cani 89); Rossi (Ibagaza 75), Llorente Cards: Celtic: Brown (76), Robson (79)