Villarreal chief moans thrashing

Source: Agencies  |   2008-10-31  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

VILLARREAL'S president said yesterday he was embarrassed by his side's 0-5 humbling at third-tier side Poli Ejido in the first leg of their Spanish King's Cup last-32 tie on Wednesday.

Villarreal is fourth in the Primera Liga, two points behind leader Valencia and joint top of Champions League Group E with holder Manchester United, but has now leaked 12 goals in its last three matches in all competitions.

Coach Manuel Pellegrini left several key players out of the team for Wednesday's match, including Spain international midfielder Marcos Senna, and brought on winger Santi Cazorla and forward Joseba Llorente only when already 0-3 down.

His side is left with a near-impossible task for the return leg at El Madrigal scheduled for November 12.

"I felt embarrassed by the team's performance," President Fernando Roig said on the club's Website. "We did not do anything well and when it's like that it's hard to win. Coming back from this will be very difficult, not to say impossible."

Sevilla, one point behind Villarreal in fifth place in the league, also suffered a shock Cup defeat to third-tier opposition, losing 0-1 at Ponferradina.

Also, Fernando Morientes netted twice as holder Valencia brushed aside modest Portugalete 4-1.

The lowest-ranked team left in the competition, fourth-tier Portugalete held out for just 11 minutes before Morientes lifted a cross from Hugo Viana over the goalkeeper and into the net.

There were four all-Primera Liga ties on Wednesday. Getafe, runner-up over the last two years, played out a dull 0-0 draw at home to Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao beat visiting Recreativo Huelva 2-0.

Numancia lost 0-1 at home to Sporting Gijon and Malaga and Real Mallorca drew 1-1 in Malaga.