La Liga 2021-22: Gerard Moreno Stars In Villarreal’s 2-1 Victory At Getafe Before Suffering Injury

Gerard Moreno gave Villarreal the lead in the 7th minute and assisted in the 16th minute to make it 2-0 in their La Liga 2021-22 encounter against Getafe.

Updated on: 17 April 2022 5:15 am

Villarreal players celebrate one of their goals against Getafe in La Liga.

Gerard Moreno scored one goal and set up another before the Villarreal striker was substituted because of injury during his team's 2-1 win at Getafe in the La Liga 2021-22. (More Football News)

Despite struggling with injuries this season, Gerard has been a key player in Villarreal's impressive run to the UEFA Champions League semifinals after ousting Juventus and, this week, Bayern Munich in the knockout rounds.

Gerard gave Villarreal the lead in the seventh minute and helped to make it 2-0 in the 16th when he stole the ball in midfield to start a counterattack.

The Spain striker, who also set up Samuel Chukwueze's late winner to topple Bayern on Tuesday, again made the key pass by playing Manuel Trigueros clear to beat David Soria.

Gerard had to be substituted in the 61st after he was attended by team doctors. He touched the back of his right thigh before walking off gingerly.

Emery said Gerard had a muscular injury but team doctors had yet to determine how long he would be out, leaving in question his availability for the European semifinals against Liverpool in two weeks.

“He has not been unlucky with injuries this season. We hope this is not serious and that he recovers quickly because we really need him,” defender Pau Torres said. Enes Unal pulled one back for Getafe three minutes later with his 15th goal, second only to Karim Benzema's league-leading 24.

But the end came for Getafe's unbeaten run of 10 consecutive home games. The previous loss was in late October at Alfonso Pérez Coliseum in Madrid. Villarreal remained in seventh place, while Getafe slid into 15th.

On Sunday, leader Real Madrid visit third-placed Sevilla with a 12-point lead over the Andalusian side and second-placed Barcelona, which host Cádiz on Monday.

VALENCIA LOSES

Valencia lost to Osasuna 2-1 in its second-to-last league game before it plays the final of the Copa del Rey. Valencia play Villarreal on Tuesday then faces Real Betis in the Copa final next Saturday.

OTHER RESULTS

Joselu Mato's second-half goal helped Alavés beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 and end a seven-round winless streak for the relegation-threatened hosts. Alavés rose out of last place at four points from safety.

Rayo, which was once as high as fourth place, slipped to 14th after its 12th straight game without a victory. Elche also routed Mallorca 3-0 for the modest side's biggest win of the season.