Villarreal have secured a 1-0 win against Viktoria Plzen in their Europa League Group E clash at the Estadio El Madrigal.
The hosts were first to threaten, with Roberto Soldado given licence to roam into the Plzen box just six minutes in, but Matus Kozacik was quick enough to come off his line and thwart the Spain striker.
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Kozacik was called into action again five minutes later, coming off best against Samu Castillejo, who had made himself some space inside the box and unleashed a quick shot towards the middle of the goal.
It was all Villarreal in the early stages of the game as Leo Baptistao and Soldado weighed in with shots midway through the first half, but the Plzen stopper was in inspired form to keep their efforts out.
The visitors, however, managed to pick themselves up as the first half went on and soon had their opponents under the cosh, but could not make the most of their good spell by the break.
Marcelino's charges regrouped following the break and came out with intent, which was rewarded in the 54th minute when they took the lead through Baptistao, who finished off his solo run with a deft strike from inside the box.
The remainder of the game saw both sides weigh in with attacking football, though few chances came by, and Plzen were left at a significant disadvantage when Vaclav Prochazka was sent off for a second yellow in the 80th minute.
Ultimately the visitors could not muster up enough of a challenge to get something back from the game, with Villarreal climbing to second following their first win in Group E, level on three points with third-placed Plzen.
Giuseppe Labellarte
