The connection between substitutes Ilias Akhomach and Alberto Moleiro was key to Villarreal CF's comeback victory away at Málaga. The team, sitting 14th in La Liga with 5 points, needed a reaction after a difficult start to the season.
The match began poorly for the visitors, who conceded a goal from the home side's first attack. Chance creation was scarce for much of the first half. Manager Iñigo Pérez introduced Akhomach and Moleiro in the second period, two players who had started from the bench in recent matches. Their introduction changed the game's dynamic.
Their interplay unhinged the local defence and created the clearest opportunities. It was Akhomach who, following an individual run, provided the decisive pass for Moleiro to score the goal that sparked Villarreal's comeback. Coach Iñigo Pérez later noted that Moleiro performed very well in the number ten role, a position he feels comfortable in.
"I felt comfortable and I was determined to give everything on the pitch, I enjoyed playing and, furthermore, I was able to help the team," explained Ilias Akhomach after the match. The young winger added about his teammate: "I get on very well with Alberto, we looked for each other and we understood each other well".
This win improves the team's recent form, which reads two wins, one draw and two defeats from their last five matches. The next fixture is one of the toughest of the season: a trip to the Santiago Bernabéu to face second-placed Real Madrid on October 11th.
With this triumph, Villarreal secures its second win of the campaign and looks for stability ahead of a key period. The team has scored 10 goals and conceded 11 in the six matchdays played. The confirmed absence for the next match is full-back Juan Foyth.
Background and full detail: Diario AS
