Marcelino: “The match was open and level until the sending‑off” | OneFootball

The Yellow head coach stressed that the incident was avoidable and left the Submarine with no chance

Villarreal CF head coach Marcelino García Toral spoke to the media after the Yellows’ defeat against Real Betis (2-0) at La Cartuja.

The Asturian coach lamented the sending‑off in a match defined by balance: “It was an even match that ended up being decided by fine details. We had some chances and dangerous moments in the first half. They did too, especially from a set piece. They had more of the ball, but we were well in the game. In the second half they scored, but we reacted well with a one‑on‑one from Tajon. We were creating danger and had chances to equalise. From there, we made a mistake and were left with 10 players. A sending‑off in football means you don’t win. Everything becomes very difficult. It’s a shame because there was still a lot of match left.”

Along the same lines, Marcelino stressed that the sending‑off was avoidable: “The players’ work was good and I’m satisfied with that, but I leave sad because of the defeat. Lastly, we must avoid being left with a man fewer. It’s something that has already happened to us four times this season and it cannot happen. Betis have good players and you cannot give them anything. They took their chances well and we congratulate them.”

Finally, regarding Comesaña’s challenge on Lo Celso, Marcelino preferred not to comment: “I didn’t see it clearly. What is clear to me is that the incident was avoidable. The referee decided to show a red card and we respect that. In the first half, a blow from a Betis player ended with Alfonso Pedraza suffering a broken nasal septum and, unfortunately, in that case the referee did not give anything.”

Below, you can listen to Marcelino García Toral’s full press conference after the match against Real Betis: