MATCH OF THE DAY: VILLARREAL CF VERSUS THE SIA ACADEMY
An exciting game between Villarreal Club de Fútbol and UD SIA Benigànim took place last week. It was a sensational game with many chances that made sure the scouts of professional clubs intensely followed the game.
This game was marked red for many players on their calendar. The game is part of the crucial element of the season, also known as Phase II. This phase of the Spanish Third Division has already brought many matches of a high level, and the visit of UD SIA Benigànim to the Ciutat Esportiva del Villarreal CF was undoubtedly one of them.
Both U23 teams are known for their attractive playing style, and there could not have been a better mix for football fans. The Mini Estadi was also the perfect venue for Villarreal C and UD SIA Benigànim to meet for the second time in Phase II.
The Castellón club also decided to broadcast the game on their official channels due to its importance. This turned out to be a great decision because the game had everything from many chances to some breathtaking plays. In the end, Villarreal was able to win the game with 1-0, but they had to give their all to defeat the offensive playing style of UD SIA Benigànim.
Football match at Ciudad Deportive Villarreal CF
The team of Fernando Gómez Colomer‘s (a legend of Valencia CF) had the game’s first clear chance. A steal by Quique Fabra set up a quick counter-attack that would have ended in a goal if it had not been for Mangada’s great reaction. The Villarreal C midfielder went to great lengths to take the ball away from Fabra at the last moment as he was about to finish inside the box
The great start of UD SIA Benigànim woke up the Yellow Submarine’s reserve team. Through Campos and Richard, they began to attack the flanks, but all their attacks were dealt with by the Ganxut defence. However, it was from a corner kick that Villarreal C managed to open the score and eventually, this was also the winning goal. The corner kick ended at the far post, where David Guerrero was able to put his head against the ball, but Andrada blocked this first attempt. Nevertheless, after this good intervention, the ball reached the striker Forés, who was able to hit the back of the net and opened the score
After Villarreal scored their first goal, they tried to play their specific playing style in attempting to keep as much possession as possible. However, they had to deal with the very effective pressing of UD SIA Benigànim, who prevented the home side’s attempts to finish the game.
This effective pressing helped the SIA Academy to get the ball back, and they were able to close in on the opponent’s goal, which was guarded by Iker. In the end, Kevin had the best chances to equalise the game in the first half, but his efforts were not rewarded.
The second half was similar to the first half, in which both teams were looking for ways to get the ball and surprise the other team with their similar playing style. However, we had to wait till the 86th minute to see the best chance of the second half, when Migue hit the post after a good cross from the right flank.
SIA Academy player with a past at Villarreal CF
The match played at the Mini Estadi was a very special one for one specific player of UD SIA Benigànim, Damián Sánchez. He returned to the club that was his home for most of his career, and the player, born in Villarreal 2001, played his first semi-professional game of the season.
After excelling in the youth teams of Villarreal CF and CD Roda, Damián has emerged at SIA Academy as a right back to find his way in the elite side of football. The Soccer Inter-Action High Performance Center, located in Enguera (Valencia, Spain), has been the ideal springboard to showcase all of Damián’s skills and help him reach his full potential.
In fact, he has been one of the most important players for the coaching staff. His speed and courage in the attacking areas of the field have been essential for the successful season of UD SIA Benigànim. This was also one of the elements that helped the team achieve its goal of staying in Phase I of their division and earn a spot to fight for promotion to the Second RFEF.
