Player Ratings: Villarreal 1-0 Deportivo

Villarreal

Diego López 6 - Remained largely untroubled throughout and will certainly not have envied the number of saves his opposite number had to make.

Javi Venta 8 - Very lively down the flanks and made some very tough challenges at the back before racing forward to suppport the attack.

Capdevila 7 - Not a vintage performance from the Spain international, but he helped the back four repel most things thrown at them.

Fuentes 7.5 - Showed some assured touches in the centre of defence and ensured that Mista and then Bravo were able to do very little.

Gonzalo 7 - Like his partner at the back, the central defender stood firm when Depor came forward on the break and was strong throughout.

Senna 8 - Was the fulcrum of the Villarreal side as usual and controlled everything that happened with Villarreal going forward and when defending.

Edmílson 7 - A confident first appearance for his new club, but the Brazilian did not shine as he did the simple things well and not much more.

Cazorla 9 - A fine goal with what was one of few truly decisive moments for either team in front of goal.

Ibagaza 7 - Was impressive at times in the first half and had a good effort after the break that could have doubled the hosts' lead.

Guille Franco 6 - Was lively and had chances, but the fact that he failed to test Aranzubia meant that he cannot be considered for a higher mark.

Llorente 6 - Did not impress on his home debut either, but Villarreal did not play many decent crosses in to the area, which are what he thrives on.

Subs

Altidore 8 - Really impressed when coming on and certainly caused Depor's defence more problems than Guille Franco had.

Pirès 6 - The crowd were pleaded to see him, but his input was fairly limited as he still looked a bit rusty.

Cani 6 - Came on too late to do little more than help Villarreal to close up shop and ensure that they did not let in a late leveller.

Deportivo La Coruña

Aranzubia 7 - Made several key saves that ensured that his team had a chance of taking something from the game until the final whistle.

Laure 5.5 - Made sure that Villarreal were unable to create much from down the flanks and kept Capdevila at bay.

Luis 5.5 - Also did not have a disastrous game as he tracked back well and helped keep the Yellow Submarine out for long periods.

Zé Castro 6 - Had a very busy afternooon but that could be down to the fact that the forwards and midfield did not hold the ball up well.

Lopo 6 - It maybe odd to award the losing side's defence such high points, but Depor were never panicked at the back and it was up front where they suffered.

Antonio Tomás 5 - Managed to pick up a booking before going off, but his exit was hardly noticed after an unconvincing display in front of the back four.

Sergio 7.5 - Was without doubt Depor's driving force and deerved to be part of a team that earned at least a point this weekend.

Juan Rodríguez 4.5 - Became embroiled early on a silly series of skirmishes with Senna and then faded from view.

Cristian 6 - Showed that he does have some very silky skills and can pass players with ease but he did not do it often enough here to have any real effect.

Pablo Álvarez 5 - Had his moments but, like so many of Depor's players going forward, did not make any real hedway.

Mista 4 - Did almost nothing despite Depor launching several counter-attacks that could have come to something had he involved himself more.

Subs

Valerón 5 - Always good to see him play after such a long time on the sidelines, but the Depor favourite did not change the game at all.

Bravo 4 - Came on to add to the front line and actually ended up adding nothing as Villarreal comfortably kept him out.

Lafita 5 - Did slightly more as he broke down the left a couple of times, but again was lagely ineffective.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com