Villarreal had a bad debut in the group stage of the Europa League by falling on their visit to Panathinaikos), in a match in which the Spanish team repeated all the defects that it has shown at the beginning of the season and that caused the relief on his bench. [2.0: Narration and statistics]
On this occasion, the effect of the arrival of their new coach, José Rojo 'Pacheta', was not noticeable, since the Castellón team barely generated danger in attack and appeared fragile in defense against a rival that breaks a streak of 16 consecutive games without beating a Spanish team.
Pacheta's team took the game calmly against a Panathinaikos team that seemed intimidated at the start by the potential of its rival. Villarreal, with Capoue in charge of the midfield, opted for long possessions, but with hardly any depth beyond some solitary adventure by Pedraza.
The Spanish team's best chance came after the quarter-hour mark in a great personal action by Morales, but the striker, after breaking his marker, was selfish and chose to shoot when he practically had two teammates to push the ball into the net.. Panathinaikos responded with an assist from Bernard, the most decisive player in attack, which Palacios sent into the side netting.
The injury to Denis Suárez, replaced by Yeremy Pino, confused Villarreal, which Panathinaikos took advantage of to make an unexpected blow and take the lead on the scoreboard on the stroke of half-time.
Ioannidis scores against Reina. AP
A lucky rebound allowed Kotsiras to filter the ball through the Villarreal defense so that Ionannidis, with a subtle touch, evaded Reina's exit.
Pacheta's team, too predictable in its game, tried to react, but only at the beginning of the second half did they seem to go for the game.
Villarreal surrounded the area with several arrivals from Kiko Femenía, but Panathinaikos' response was more forceful