There is no way, Athletic

Opportunity was painted bald. Villareal was immersed in their fight for the Champions League semifinal after beating Bayern and just before defending their advantage in Munich. Unbeatable opportunity to score three points against a rival who had his head in another battle.

Unai Emery made it clear what the important game of the week was for his team. He changed the eleven who played in the Champions League It is true that he has a large squad, but the reality is that the lions were unable to face Villarreal’s substitutes. Fact that should make us reflect.

Marcellin’s decisions

Once again the Athletic coach opted for Raúl García to the detriment of Sancet in one of the so-called big games of the season. We all understand that pubic discomfort prevents him from performing at 100% for 90 minutes, but the question is whether he could have appeared in the eleven, against the rival’s substitutes, to be able to get the game on track and have left his position in the second half. After having shown against Elche that he is a player who makes a difference, I would have liked to see him in the starting team.

That said, I take my hat off to Raúl García because he almost always reads the game well. At 0-1 he takes out his entire repertoire. He first deceives the defense by letting a ball pass to Muniain, who, in a crack play, sits down the defender and goalkeeper so that Rulo clinches.

Raúl García’s attention amazes me. He capable of accompanying the play without falling offside. Always behind the ball. Luckily he doesn’t let the ball pass because behind Williams he was ahead. It’s not the first time he’s happened to the Panther. Let him follow the example of the Navarrese.

Transient madness

If this were a Hollywood movie, the lawyer of the Madrid collegiate, would argue in a hypothetical transitory insanity trial. He has no more defense. It is completely incomprehensible that he did not indicate a maximum penalty. If the VAR has been left for this, remove it.

In the end Mendilibar was right. If video arbitration did not exist, we would all understand that Del Cerro would not have seen Aurier’s hand. In fact, the lions hardly even protest. The error would be more or less understandable. Once Estrada Fernández calls you there is no going back. Since Medina Cantalejo assumed the direction of the referees, the VAR only enters in clear cases, so the mere warning from Las Rozas is already a clear indication.

I still don’t understand how one of the considered best referees in the category made that decision. It’s incomprehensible. Aurier has his hand off his body and moves his arm towards the ball. Book penalty. In a few weeks the referees will meet to explain the mistakes they have made and this play will lead the ranking. I bet they even make an example of it. I hope that the referees’ technical committee leaves Del Cerro at least one game in the fridge. It would be recommended.