If there's one word that best describes Sunday's disappointing 1-1 draw against Getafe, it would be frustration: on the one hand, the ungainly play that Bordalás' team displayed for most of the game, and on the other, their dejection after Raul Albiol's handball resulted in a penalty kick that cost them three points in the closing seconds of the match. The azulones' tenacity, aggressiveness, and heavy pressing stopped Marcelino's squad from carrying out their game plan. Villarreal had trouble establishing extended possessions close to David Soria's goal and were only able to take the lead just before halftime thanks to a goal from Santi Comesaña.
Despite still having trouble finding their rhythm, the Submarino appeared to be more in control in the second half as a result of their opponents' obvious exhaustion. Nevertheless, García Verdura used VAR to assess a challenge between Yildirim and Albiol, ending Villarreal's hopes with a granted penalty that Arambarri scored.