UEFA Europa League: Napoli vs Villarreal second half review
The second half saw both teams retaining their formations, which in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nilmar-c28044 playing as the yellow
submarine’s two strikers. After the first half had come to an uneventful end with the score line at nil-nil, the second half resumed with both teams rejuvenated from the half time break.
It was Napoli who showed their offensive tendencies within the first five minute of the second half as Dossena embarked on a solo run. The wing back was stopped in his tracks by Valero but the Italian defender lashed out at the Villarreal midfielder. As
a consequence the referee showed the Italian defender a yellow card. Aronica followed Dossena into the referee’s book in the 64th minute after the center back brought down Nilmar following the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Brazil-c2858 striker’s nutmeg on the experienced defender.
Villarreal had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 71st minute as Rossi released Spanish midfielder Valero following a great sequence of passes between himself, Nilmar and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Santi-Cazorla-c32505. However, Valero disappointed with his finish as
his shot sailed over the bar. In the 72nd minute of the match, Napoli celebrated as the crowd thought that Cavani had given the home side a crucial one goal lead. Nonetheless, the referee ruled the goal out as the Uruguayan striker was in an off-side
position when he made contact with the ball.
A minute later, Napoli broke forward once again. This time Gargano’s long ball was latched onto by Lavezzi. The Argentinean front man exhibited tremendous pace as he surged towards the Villarreal goal. Regardless, Lopez came out in heroic fashion to block
Lavezzi’s eventual shot as the referee awarded Napoli a corner kick. In the 78th minute of the match, Napoli made their first substitution of the night as Gargano was replaced by Zuniga.
Villarreal then started to impose themselves near the 85thminute mark. However, their momentary dominance didn’t pay any substantial dividends as Napoli comfortably dealt with the Spanish side’s recurring attacks. In the 88th minute
of the match, Bruno forced Napoli’s goalkeeper into an acrobatic save after testing him with a venomous shot from about 25 yards out. It was ironically Villarreal’s first shot on goal in the second half of the match; a fact which does pay heed to the Spanish
team’s lack of creativity throughout the encounter.
Napoli defender Aronica received his second yellow card of the night in the 93rd minute, and was sent off by the referee. Regardless, the home side hung on for a nil-nil draw as the match ended Napoli 0-0 Villarreal.
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