Villarreal boss points to costly mistake in Barcelona defeat: ‘We opened the door for them’
· Yahoo Sports
After Villarreal’s 4-1 defeat to Barcelona, Marcelino did not hide from the reality of the result.
Instead of blaming external factors, he admitted that his own team’s mistakes played a major role in the loss.
Visit sweetbonanza.qpon for more information.
The turning point, in his view, was Barcelona’s third goal. With the score at 2-1, the game still felt alive.
Villarreal were competing and had moments, but one lapse changed everything..
He described the goal by Lamine Yamal as “disastrous” due to how easily it was conceded.
“It’s a goal we can’t concede. It was a precise move by the opposition and very easy for us to deal with,” he said.
That moment, according to the Villarreal boss, shifted the mental balance of the match. He explained that until then, Barcelona had shown signs of uncertainty.
“I think Barça had doubts and we opened the door for them to have them,” he said.
“Despite the final 4-1 scoreline, Marcelino felt the punishment was harsh. He admitted that the result was “excessive for what we did.”
Praise for Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal scored a stunning hat-trick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
One player who made the difference was Lamine. The young winger delivered a stunning hat trick and proved decisive.
Marcelino openly praised him, acknowledging the quality his team faced. “We came up against an exceptional Lamine and an accurate Barça,” he said.
He also spoke honestly about the defensive plan designed to contain the teenager.
“If we give Lamine a free run, it’s normal for him to score goals.”
Incident with Flick
There was also a tense moment on the touchline involving Hansi Flick. The incident followed a strong challenge by Pau Navarro on Lamine, after Barcelona had earlier put the ball out twice to allow Villarreal players to receive treatment.
Flick showed visible frustration when play continued while Lamine remained down.
Marcelino addressed the exchange, stating, “He gave me a dressing down for no reason. It made me a little angry because I’m not the one who blows the whistle or doesn’t blow the whistle,” he said.
“We acted correctly. But I still admire him. It’s no big deal. He apologised to me afterwards, and I appreciate that,” he added.
Source: Mundo Deportivo