Danjuma’s goal was not enough for an opening victory as Villarreal draw 2-2 in the first Champions League match of the campaign.
The nerves were clearly in play in the opening 5 minutes as Villarreal struggled to keep hold of the ball. This was Villarreal’s first meeting with Atalanta and Villarreal were caught off guard by the Italians.

6 minutes Villarreal’s nerves got the better of them as disaster struck. After scrappy defending Remo Freuler was laid off the ball by Zapata and slotted the ball into the back off the net.

It took a while for Emery’s side to find their feet, but chances suddenly started to come. Gerard Moreno who hasn’t scored yet this season had several chances denied.
The Yellow found an unlikely goalscorer in the 39th minute, Manu Trigueros who is now Villarreal joint-leading goal scorer. The ball was deflected off a cross from Pedraza. The ball fell to Trigueros who slotted the ball into the bottom right-hand corner.

Villarreal were clearly the stronger side going in at halftime. It took a clever super-sub from Emery to change the dynamic of the game.

The 20 million summer signing Danjuma was brought on and in the 73rd minute. The dutchman assisted with a beautiful pass by Gerard Moreno volleyed the ball into the bottom corner.
The Submarine then sunk in the final 30 minutes of the game. 83 minute a deflated Atalanta retaliated. The ball fell to Robin Gosens who sent a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

Villarreal saw red quite literally as Coquelin was given a second yellow and was sent off the pitch. The Frenchmen committed a tactical foul in the 76th and a stupid foul in the 84th send him to the changing room early.

10 man Villarreal held out for yet another draw of 202122. Emery will be left fuming and hoping his luck will have changed when they come to face Manchester United in the Champions League.