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Played
May 13, 2012 7:00 PM BST
Camp El Madrigal — Villarreal
Referee:‬ Javier Estrada‎
Attendance:‬ 16000‎
 
 
Top of the Match
?
To Be Announced Shortly
Radamel Falcao
Radamel Falcao
Atletico Madrid
Flop of the Match
?
To Be Announced Shortly

Villarreal 0-1 Atletico Madrid: Falcao goal sends Yellow Submarine spiralling into Segunda Division

The Colombian striker broke the hearts of the home side as his last minute strike relegated Lotina's men, while Los Rojiblancos just missed out on fourth spot

By Doug Patient

Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid - Athletic Bilbao) Europa League final
Getty

Atletico Madrid have sent Villarreal into the Segunda Division, with a last gasp 1-0 victory in this final round La Liga game at El Madrigal.

With Zaragoza and Rayo both winning, a draw would have been enough for the side in yellow, but Radamel Falcao fired in late on to win it for the visitors, and end the Yellow Submarine's 12-year run in the top flight.

The match was important for a number of reasons; Atletico knew that a win, and Malaga failing to triumph, they would be playing in the Champions League next season. Whereas, Villarreal knew that the points would secure their position in La Liga next season. With so much riding on the result, the first half was an edgy affair.

The away side were looking hungry, fresh from their Europa League triumph in midweek. Diego released Gabi, but his effort was blocked by Diego Lopez. The hosts also had a chance soon after, but Hernan Perez could only snatch at his shot, dragging the ball wide of the left-hand post.

Roared on by the home support, the Yellow Submarine started to put their opponents under pressure. Two corners in quick succession came to nothing, though, then in a rare break, the visitors nearly went ahead as Eduardo Salvio had a speculative effort from outside the area that fell harmlessly wide.

Both teams were looking nervous in front of goal; Marcos Senna and Salvio both missed the target from the edge of the box at opposite ends of the pitch.

Villarreal were looking most likely to take the lead. Mario Gaspar whipped a cross into the box and Marco Ruben’s header was just over the bar.

News filtered in that Malaga had taken the lead at home to Sporting, but they were still hoping to find a breakthrough. Diego crossed into the box, and Tiago headed straight into the arms of Lopez.

The visitors then should have gone in front. Juanfran crossed into the area and Filipe Luis' left-footed effort somehow struck the crossbar. Koke then found himself free, but put his shot wide to the right. The pressure was relentless. Luis passed to Salvio in the box, but his effort was saved by Lopez.

Villarreal then had chances of their own, albeit from outside the area. Senna's shot was tame and straight at Thibaut Courtois, then Angel Lopez fired over the bar after a free-kick.

Just as the stalemate looked inevitable, Falcao, quiet for the majority of the game, had other ideas. With two minutes remaining he fired in from close range, stunning the home crowd, and sealing Villarreal's fate.

The loss for Miguel Angel Lotina’s team sends them down along with Sporting and Racing Santander.



Villarreal

13
3.00
4
Mateo Musacchio
Defender
2.50
24
Carlos Marchena
Defender
67′ 74′
2.50
17
Cristian Zapata
Defender
3.00
14
Mario Gaspar
Defender
90′
2.50
42
Jaume
Midfielder
59′
3.00
11
2.00
19
Marcos Senna
Midfielder
3.00
20
2.50
21
Soriano
Midfielder
2.50
15
Marco Ruben
Striker
3.00

Atletico Madrid

3.00
13
2.50
2
3.50
6
Filipe Luis
Defender
3.00
20
Juanfran
Midfielder
75′
2.50
23
Miranda
Defender
70′
3.00
5
Tiago
Midfielder
41′
3.00
8
3.00
14
Gabi
Midfielder
58′
3.00
10
Diego Ribas
Midfielder
88′
2.50
7
Adrián
Striker
3.50
9

Substitutes

-
César
Goalkeeper
 - 
2
 - 
-
Ángel
Defender
67′
2.50
10
Cani
Midfielder
 - 
18
Javi Camuñas
Midfielder
 - 
5
Wakaso
Midfielder
84′
2.50
12
Nilmar
Striker
90′
3.00

Substitutes

 - 
25
Sergio Asenjo
Goalkeeper
 - 
6
2.50
15
2.50
4
Mario Suárez
Midfielder
75′
2.50
19
Koke
Midfielder
58′
 - 
9
Pizzi
Striker
 - 
-

Coach/Manager

-
Lotina
Coach
1.50

Coach/Manager

3.00
-
 
  • Goal
  • Own Goal
  • Penalty
  • Penalty Missed
  • Yellow Card
  • Assist
  • Penalty Save
  • Penalty Shootout Goal
  • Penalty Shootout Miss
  • Yellow Card / Red Card
  • Red Card
  • Substitution IN
  • Substitution OUT
  • Injury
  • Goal.com Rating
  • Goal.com Man of the Match
  • Goal.com Flop of the Match
  • Top & Flop Global Ranking
  • Fans' Man of the Match
  • Fans' Flop of the Match
Results
 
Top Scorers
Player   Goals Penalties
Lionel Messi Lionel Messi
Striker
Barcelona
46 4
Cristiano Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo
Striker
Real Madrid
34 6
Radamel Falcao Radamel Falcao
Striker
Atl. Madrid
28 8
Roberto Soldado Roberto Soldado
Striker
Valencia
21 5
Negredo Negredo
Striker
Sevilla
20 3