Villarreal finally keep a clean sheet after 13-match defensive nightmare
The Yellow Submarine's first clean sheet since December ends a torrid run where they shipped 23 goals in 12 games across all competitions.
The Yellow Submarine has finally plugged those leaks at the back, keeping their first clean sheet in 13 matches to secure a vital three points at Levante.
Defensive resurrection
It wasn’t pretty and Levante pushed hard in the closing stages, but Villarreal held firm to record their first defensive shutout since December 6th. That’s been donkey’s years in football terms, with Marcelino’s men shipping goals for fun during a nightmare run that’s cost them dearly across multiple competitions.
The last time Villarreal’s goalkeeper enjoyed a quiet afternoon was against Getafe in a comfortable 2-0 league win. Since then? Absolute carnage at the back:
- Copa del Rey: Knocked out by Racing Santander (2-1)
- Champions League: Punished by Copenhagen (2-3), Ajax (1-2) and Leverkusen (3-0)
- La Liga: Conceded in every single match, including two goals each against Barcelona, Betis, Real Madrid, Osasuna and Getafe
The numbers tell a proper horror story - 23 goals conceded in 12 matches, averaging nearly two per game. That’s relegation form defensively for a side with European ambitions.
Clean sheets = three points
This clean sheet marks Villarreal’s eighth in La Liga this season, and interestingly, they’ve won every single match when keeping the opposition at bay. It’s a simple formula that’s been impossible to execute during their defensive crisis.
For Marcelino, this result might represent a turning point. The gaffer will be hoping his backline has finally sorted itself out after what’s been a right old nightmare. If they can build on this defensive platform, the Yellow Submarine might still salvage something from what’s been a turbulent campaign.