Villarreal CF cruised into the second round of the Copa del Rey with a commanding 5-0 away win over CD Manacor on Tuesday at the Na Capellera. Iñigo Pérez's side showed no mercy against the regional third-tier opponent, wrapping up the tie early with goals from five different scorers.
The victory provides a boost ahead of a key La Liga fixture at home to Espanyol this Saturday. Villarreal currently sit 10th in the table with 12 points and are on a two-game winning streak across all competitions, having also beaten Valencia 2-1 last weekend.
Early Blitz Seals Progress
Villarreal took control from the outset. Abdoulaye Diatta opened the scoring in the 13th minute following a pass from Alberto Moleiro. Toyosi Oluwaseyi doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark, finishing off a move created by Nizar El Jmili. With the result beyond doubt, the Yellow Submarine maintained their intensity after the break.
Sergi Cardona made it three just two minutes into the second half, assisted by Oluwaseyi. Nizar El Jmili then turned from provider to scorer, netting the fourth in the 55th minute after a pass from Diatta. Nuno Pepe completed the rout in the 68th minute, capping another flowing team move. Manager Iñigo Pérez praised his team's professional approach after the final whistle. "We had to play with everything, fight and, above all, not be overconfident against a CD Manacor that faced the match as what it was, their Champions League, but who ended up thrashed despite their effort throughout the game," he said.
Focus Shifts to League Business
With the cup fixture successfully handled, attention now turns fully to La Liga. Villarreal host 18th-placed Espanyol on Saturday, October 30th, in a match that offers a chance to climb the standings. The visitors have the league's leakiest defence, having conceded 22 goals, which presents a clear opportunity for Pérez's in-form attack. The last meeting between the sides at the Estadio de la Cerámica ended in a comprehensive 4-1 home win back in February.
Pérez will have a confident squad at his disposal, with several players who rotated in for this cup tie staking a claim. The team has shown potent attacking form, scoring 15 league goals this season, though shoring up a defence that has let in 14 will be a priority. The full squad is now in training preparing for the weekend's league encounter.
Background and full detail: Diario AS
Villarreal CF confirmed the lineup and details of the 0-5 rout against CD Manacor on Wednesday. The club detailed that the fifth goal, scored by Nuno Pepe in the 68th minute, was assisted by Nizar El Jmili. The team, tenth in La Liga with 12 points, is already training for Saturday's match against Espanyol.
Manager Iñigo Pérez highlighted his team's attitude after the Copa victory. "The attitude was correct, with professionalism and respect for the opponent," the coach stated. Villarreal, 10th in La Liga with 12 points, has scored 15 goals and conceded 14 this season. The team is on a two-game winning run and is already preparing for Saturday's match against Espanyol.
