Eric Bailly sees red just after returning to Villarreal's starting XI

Europe 24 April 2025 at 07:20

Lydiane N'Po

News Editor

After four months away, Eric Bailly returned to the starting lineup under Marcelino Toral at Villarreal on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. This was during the 32nd round of the Spanish La Liga against Celta Vigo. His last start was on December 15, 2024, and since then, he had only played two matches as a substitute.

Unfortunately, this opportunity quickly turned into a nightmare. In the 37th minute, the Ivorian international was sent off for illegally stopping Alfon, a Celta Vigo forward.

The numerical advantage of Celta Vigo weighed heavily on the rest of the match. Reduced to ten men, Villarreal's players struggled to contain the opposing attacks. Celta took advantage by scoring three goals and inflicting a severe defeat on the Yellow Submarine.

Eric Bailly will miss Villarreal's next match against Espanyol, scheduled for April 27, 2025. He might potentially return on May 3 against Osasuna. Regardless, for Bailly, this mishap complicates his attempt to reintegrate into the first team.