Salzburg sink Yellow Submarine
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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FC Salzburg 2-0 Villarreal CF
Salzburg claimed another UEFA Europa League scalp, going top of Group G, as Villarreal went the way of S.S. Lazio a fortnight ago.
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Austrian Bundesliga leaders FC Salzburg claimed their second UEFA Europa League scalp in as many Group G matches with an impressive 2-0 victory over struggling Villarreal CF.
Resolute defence
Having beaten S.S. Lazio on Matchday 1 a Marc Janko goal midway through the first half set the hosts on course for another. While Villarreal controlled the majority of the play, Huub Stevens' home side defended stoutly and wrapped up victory through Somen Tchoyi six minutes from time.
Janko opener
Salzburg had begun just as brightly with both Janko and Dušan Švento wasting excellent opportunities within the opening quarter of an hour. The pressure soon told as the Austrian champions took the lead on 21 minutes, Janko stabbing home after a Christoph Leitgeb free-kick.
Villarreal control
The visitors did not let their heads drop and almost grabbed a swift equaliser when Cani fired just wide of the left-hand upright. It was the closest they came in the first half, however, and though Villarreal continued to dictate the play after the break, it was the hosts who posed the greater threat. They were unfortunate not to double their lead when Tchoyi turned expertly before forcing Diego López into a smart save.
Tchoyi impressive
The towering Janko almost doubled his tally midway through the second period when López tipped his fierce left-foot strike into the side-netting. Tchoyi got his reward for an energetic performance, holding up the ball in the box before slamming into the top corner to secure another eye-catching victory.