Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla is delighted with his former team Villarreal earning an advantage in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie against Liverpool this evening in Spain.
It was a tactical and tight opening 45 minutes as both sides looked to size each other up and identify areas of potential success.
The Yellow Submarine had an opportunity to take the lead in the second half when Cedric Bakambu had a header which hit the woodwork. Liverpool carried a threat too though and Roberto Firmino did hit the post.
It all looked poised to end 0-0, but Villarreal pounced late on.
With Alberto Moreno out of position after an attack, Villarreal had an opportunity and with Denis Suarez putting in a low cross for Adrian Lopez took full advantage, scoring the goal to give themselves a 1-0 win.
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For Cazorla, who turned out for Villarreal between 2007 and 2011, the win was another step towards a trophy he feels they deserve.
The Spaniard wrote on Twitter: "Good result for Villarreal, one step closer to getting a title that the club, the team and the fans deserve."
The Arsenal star will no doubt be hoping Villarreal can now come through what is sure to be a testing second leg at Anfield.
