On April 20, 2025, Villarreal and Real Sociedad played to a thrilling 2-2 draw at La Cerámica in a match that showcased the highs and lows of LaLiga EA Sports. The encounter was marked by controversy, with Villarreal having three goals disallowed, leaving the home side frustrated despite a dominant performance.
The match kicked off with Villarreal immediately asserting their dominance. Just six minutes in, they took the lead when Yeremy Pino scored after a swift counter-attack, converting a low cross from Sergi Cardona. The early goal set the tone for Villarreal's offensive onslaught, as they aimed to build on their fifth-place position in the league.
However, the Real Sociedad responded quickly. In the 18th minute, Mikel Oyarzabal leveled the score with a well-taken penalty after a handball by Villarreal's Thierno Barry inside the box. Oyarzabal's calm conversion demonstrated his poise under pressure, and it was clear that the visitors were not going to back down easily.
The first half continued with both teams creating chances, but it was Villarreal who looked more threatening. With a flurry of opportunities, they could have easily regained the lead. A header from Juan Foyth hit the post, and the home side's pressure forced several saves from Real Sociedad's goalkeeper Álex Remiro.
As the second half began, Villarreal maintained their intensity. In the 59th minute, they reclaimed the lead through Ayoze Pérez, who scored with a powerful header from a cross by Pino. The home crowd erupted, sensing a potential victory as they led 2-1.
Despite Villarreal's advantage, Real Sociedad dug deep and equalized once more. Oyarzabal struck again in the 48th minute, capitalizing on a mistake by Villarreal's goalkeeper Luiz Junior, who failed to clear the ball effectively. Oyarzabal's persistence paid off as he intercepted the ball and slotted it into the empty net, bringing the score to 2-2.
As the match progressed, Villarreal continued to press for a winner, but their efforts were thwarted by the VAR. In the 68th minute, a goal by Pino was disallowed for a marginal offside, leaving the home side frustrated. Just minutes later, in the 84th minute, Pape Gueye thought he had scored the go-ahead goal, but it was ruled out due to Ayoze's offside interference.
In a dramatic finish, Villarreal's hopes were dashed again in the dying moments of the match. A late goal by debutant Etta-Eyong was disallowed after a foul was called on Pépé, who had made a challenge in the build-up. The disallowed goals led to heated arguments between the players and the referee, Guillermo Cuadra Fernández, as the home side felt aggrieved by the officiating.
After the match, Villarreal's coach Marcelino García Toral expressed his frustration, stating, "I believe we played an extraordinary match and deserved to win. We scored five goals, but only two counted. It's rare that we haven't won the last four matches at home, but we must keep working hard." Meanwhile, Oyarzabal reflected on the match, saying, "We are a team that presses hard and takes risks. I am happy to have helped the team with my goals, and this point is valuable for us."
Real Sociedad's coach Imanol Alguacil highlighted the importance of the point earned, acknowledging Villarreal's superiority during the match. "We had to make a tremendous effort to secure this point. It was not the match we envisioned, but we adapted and fought hard. Oyarzabal was outstanding, and this result gives us breathing room in our pursuit of European competition," he stated.
As both teams look ahead, Villarreal will face Celta at Balaídos on April 23, while Real Sociedad will meet Alavés at Mendizorroza on the same day. The draw leaves Villarreal firmly in the race for Champions League qualification, while Real Sociedad remains in contention for European spots.
In conclusion, this match not only showcased the competitive spirit of LaLiga but also highlighted the crucial role of VAR in modern football, sparking debates among fans and players alike. With the season nearing its end, every point counts, and both teams will be eager to capitalize on their upcoming fixtures.
