Villarreal Faces Setback with Gerard Moreno’s Last-Minute Withdrawal

The evening did not commence favorably for Villarreal at La Cerámica. The team lost their key offensive player, Gerard Moreno, just moments before the match against RCD Espanyol due to muscle discomfort experienced during the warm-up. As a result, the Catalan striker’s position in the starting lineup was filled by Tajon Buchanan, allowing Nicolás Pepé to lead the attack alongside Mikautadze, while Buchanan occupied the right flank.

Moreno entered the week under scrutiny due to previous physical issues that limited his participation in training sessions, as the coaching staff sought to avoid further strain. This setback is significant for Marcelino, considering that despite his recurring injury challenges, Gerard had emerged as the most in-form player in Villarreal’s attack, having scored two goals in the previous match against Osasuna.

Upon feeling discomfort during the warm-up, the player and coaching staff mutually agreed that it would be prudent to refrain from starting, opting instead for him to await his opportunity from the bench.