Villarreal Boss Valverede Disappointed With Sporting Gijon Loss

Villarreal suffered a further setback, losing 1-0 at Sporting Gijon, and Ernesto Valverde recognized that the loss had come at the wrong time.

Speaking to Marca after the match, Valverde said, "It was a step backwards."

"The first penalty should have been clearer to warrant a red card. Sporting played with intensity in the first half, but they only had one chance, when Barral hit the post.

"In the second half it was more even, and the penalty decided a game that looked destined to end goalless."

The loss ensures that the Yellow Submarine will finish the weekend in the bottom half of the table, on 12 points.