Villarreal dreams dented by Aloisi

By Andrew Hall

A late John Aloisi goal damaged Villarreal CF's hopes of regaining third place in the Primera División in Pamplona this evening as CA Osasuna ran out 3-2 winners.

Frantic start
As expected, the game began at a frantic pace with Ludovic Delporte loosening up with a wild volley just minutes after kick-off. But visitors Villarreal struck first, scoring on seven minutes when Marcos Senna surprised Juantxo Elía with a long-range effort.

Webo acrobatics
Diego Forlán was a constant menace around the Osasuna box but the home side persevered and managed to pull level five minutes before half-time through Pierre Webo who, with his back to goal, flicked the ball up before smashing a terrific volley past José Manuel Reina.

Sorín strikes
Juan Manuel Ortiz then put Osasuna in front on 66 minutes, reacting quickest to Reina's parry to make it 2-1. The lead lasted just six minutes, however, as Villarreal's Juan Sorín stretched to flick Javi Venta's deep free-kick past Elía to restore parity.

Aloisi winner
But Villarreal were made to pay for failing to pick up Aloisi at the far post two minutes from time, and the Australian obliged by slotting in a winner that put the home team in 13th place in the table. Villarreal, meanwhile, end a sorry month in which they have won just once and remain fifth.