Villarreal remained winless in a game they dominated from start to finish but lacked the depth and attacking talent to tie the score. Maccabi Haifa also had a chance to win, but failed because of Reina.
Marcelino’s team was strong, although it was increasingly losing momentum. They were able to quickly take the lead through a few chances, but success was elusive. Comesaña expected a corner at the near post, but his header went just wide. Ben Brerton also had his own, and unlike usual, he sent it in. Of course it was canceled for offside, which happens more often.
Villarreal pressed and Maccabi survived as best he could, like a closed Ilias center Kaluf eventually thwarted him, leaving Baena somewhat dazed after accidentally hitting him with his fists. Little by little, the Israelis expanded and created danger, especially through childish mistakes in the defense of Castellón. A bad pass from Reina almost cost him the goal, but Young Khalaili failed to control himself before defining.
The adjustments at halftime didn’t bring any improvement for Marcelino’s team either, the game was inconsistent and there were problems in the defensive zone. The Ex-Azulgrana Iliad was the most succinctalways starting from the right inwards, but none of his services found a finisher.
Villarreal couldn’t get ahead on the scoreboard and Maccabi also had their own. First with a cross from Kandil, which Show incomprehensibly missed in the goal area.and then with a cross shot from Dean David that went past the right post of Reina’s goal.
In the end, Villarreal pushed with more courage than football, but Only Coquelin was able to cancel out the double zero on the scoreboard with a shot headed by Pierrot. With this tie, Marcelino’s men need to win at Stade Rennais if they want to finish top of the group.