Danjuma doubles up as Villarreal see off competitive Osasuna
As the side with the best defensive record in LaLiga prior to kick-off, it was no surprise when Ezequiel Avila’s early strike was rebuffed by Villarreal stopper Geronimo Rulli, who was keen to ensure his side didn’t fall behind early.
That save gave Villarreal a platform to hunt an opener, but their advances were stunted by some fine Osasuna defending, namely by David García, as he flicked Alfonso Pedraza’s teasing delivery away from the clutches of Alex Baena, who was waiting to tap home.
There was no defending Villarreal’s opener though, which came moments before the break. Some solid wing play from Nicolas Jackson culminated in a deft cut-back for Danjuma and the Dutchman nonchalantly flicked home the opener with his back to goal.
It didn’t take long after the break for Villarreal to double their advantage, with Osasuna firmly the masters of their own downfall.
In trying to punch a cross clear, Sergio Herrera inadvertently punched Baena in the face and provided Danjuma with a golden opportunity that he was never going to pass up, stroking home his second of the evening from the spot.
In truth, Osasuna offered precious little throughout the game, yet they did come tantalisingly close to halving the arrears moments after the second goal, but Kike Garcia’s curling effort drifted just wide of the post.
At 2-0 the game was won from a Villarreal perspective, and it showed in their possession-based approach in the late stages, taking the sting out of any Osasuna pressure.
A trip to the Camp Nou awaits Villarreal on Thursday, but they should be buoyed by the fact tonight's result puts them on the coattails of the European spots.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Arnaut Danjuma (Villarreal)