Despite giving away a late goal, and Mlada testing Viera on occasion, this was largely a one-sided contest for a Villarreal side that should have won by more. Coach Manuel Pellegrini rotated the side a bit but still saw his team rack up a 2-0 lead thanks to swift play and plenty of possession, while the Czechs mostly had to respond to hitting on the break and long-range efforts, which didn't pay off until the death. The Mlada midfield had to sit back and soak up pressure; as such, there wasn't much by way of creativity from them until the very end.

They went 4-4-2 but played a deep midfield line from the outset, with this only really changing in the last ten minutes. As expected, Sedlacek supported the front line but, for his efforts, it was Villarreal who were to have the most meaningful chances. The full-backs had a torrid time dealing with Villarreal's wing threat, which was profound even without the influence of the rotated Pires. Mati Fernandez was to have perhaps his best game of the season so far, while Santi Cazorla was also fine. The central duo had little to do, although Rio Mavuba will be glad to get 90 minutes under his belt; the main problem for the visitors was a lack of composure in the finish, especially from Tomasson.

Villarreal started strongly and pressed their whole midfield forward; however, Matejovsky came close with a fierce effort ten minutes in, and this forced a bit of a re-think. Still, even as Josico and Mavuba - who did well - hung back, the wingers gave the hosts constant pressure. Still, despite the dominance, Villarreal's first goal came on the counter, Mati Fernandez sweeping a superb cross across goal for Nihat to fire home. That was the pressure off for the visitors, who slowed the pace of the game down, but still dominated going into the interval.

Mlada tried to hit back with long range attempts but, as in the first half, it was clear as to who had class; once again, Mati Fernandez brought the ball forward before this time opting for the shorter pass, Santi Cazorla being essentially unmarked as he left-footed it past Miller. Villarreal's dominance continued with the unlucky Tomasson hitting the post after some patient buildup but, as concentration waned, the Czechs scored with what was their first and last truly coherent attack, substitute Reznicek playing Mendy through for a close-range, unopposed finish.

Mlada perhaps came in with high hopes, but Villarreal, even with slack finishing, dashed them. The visitors rotated enough to offer freshness but not so much to weaken themselves; above all, they never changed their gameplan. As such, the Czechs had to sit back and defend when they might have expected a cagier game. However, they pressed hard and perhaps deserved the late goal for their efforts, albeit one that will worry visiting coach Pellegrini...