Gerard Moreno sparks Villarreal on return, eyes Champions League push | OneFootball

Gerard Moreno underlined his return to rhythm with a decisive cameo in Villarreal’s 3-1 win over Alavés, after easing back with 23 minutes in the 1-3 victory at Elche.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the captain and dressing-room leader has dealt with two muscle injuries this season and is intent on a full recovery without rushing.

Marcelino García Toral introduced him at half-time at 0-0 at the Estadio de la Cerámica for a struggling Ayoze Pérez, and Moreno struck the second goal while driving the hosts’ play.

He has featured in only nine LaLiga games, seven as a starter, yet has scored five times. He said he was satisfied to score again and hopes to keep helping with goals and minutes.

Moreno felt beating Alavés was important to maintain their current run in LaLiga, noting the side have performed at home and away and that winning this one was fundamental. He added they want to keep looking up and are very satisfied with a historic first half, with a game still to play.

He stressed the squad’s mentality and ambition, saying their hunger shows when they keep winning, extend advantages over rivals and continue fighting those above. The objective, he said, is to do something special this season, return to the Champions League next year and do it better than this campaign. He described their league form as extraordinary and hopes they can sustain it and keep adding wins.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo