Villarreal CF battled to a 2–2 draw against CA Osasuna on Saturday morning at a raucous El Sadar, with former Minnesota United striker Tani Oluwaseyi making a late appearance off the bench. In a match defined by momentum swings and clinical finishing from the veterans, the “Yellow Submarine” ultimately settled for a point that keeps them firmly in the La Liga top four.
Match recap
Villarreal started brightly and took the lead in the 17th minute when talisman Gerard Moreno converted a penalty to make it 1–0. However, Osasuna responded swiftly on their home turf. Víctor Muñoz equalized just three minutes later with a header in the 20th minute, and the hosts took the lead right before halftime through a strike from Ante Budimir, sending Villarreal into the break trailing 2–1.
The visitors clawed their way back in the second half. In the 70th minute, Moreno struck again, latching onto a pass from Nicolas Pépé to secure his brace and level the score at 2–2. Both sides pushed for a winner in the final stages, but the defenses held firm.
Oluwaseyi’s performance
With the game tied and legs tiring, manager Marcelino turned to his bench, introducing Tani Oluwaseyi in the 83rd minute.
- The substitution: Oluwaseyi replaced the two-goal hero Gerard Moreno, a clear sign of trust from the manager to entrust the young striker with leading the line in the dying moments of a tight away match.
- The cameo: Given just under 10 minutes of regulation plus stoppage time, Oluwaseyi’s opportunities were limited. He looked to use his pace to press the Osasuna backline and offer an outlet for counter-attacks, but the game became disjointed in the final minutes due to fouls and stoppages.
- Canadian connection: Oluwaseyi shared the pitch briefly with fellow Canadian international Tajon Buchanan, who had entered the match earlier in the second half.
Stats (via Xscores/Flashscore)
- Minutes played: 7′ (plus stoppage time)
- Goals: 0
- Match result: Osasuna 2–2 Villarreal
Up next
Villarreal remains in 4th place and will look to return to winning ways when they host Espanyol on Feb. 9. Oluwaseyi will be hoping his consistent cameos off the bench will soon translate into a starting opportunity as the season grind continues.
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