and two of the players brought back into the starting line-up, Rossi and Joan Capdevila, both tried their luck early on as Villarreal went in search of their fifth successive home win in La Liga.
Villarreal continued to push forward and had plenty of efforts on goal in the first half, but Racing,Air Max TN, who had won their previous two matches to climb out of the relegation zone, refused to roll over and they really should have taken the lead themselves in the 31st minute when the unmarked Mohamed Tchite somehow contrived to head wide from just six yards out.
The home side were back in the box seat after the break, and visiting keeper Fabio Coltorti performed heroics to keep out efforts from Marcos Senna and Robert Pires before he was finally beaten in the 51st minute.
Javi Venta did well to steal possession down the right before firing in a low cross that Racing defender Henrique, in trying to cut the ball out before it reached Llorente, almost deflected into his own net at the near post. Racing survived thanks to a good save from Coltorti, but Llorente pounced on the loose ball to fire home.
That breakthrough was no more than Villarreal deserved, and the only surprise was why it took them so long to get in front.
They did not need much longer to double their lead though, and with it seal the win.
Rossi,nfl jerseys, who had gone close to netting not long before with a diving header, was the goalscorer with a spectacular finish.
The Italy international showed good reactions and brilliant technique to head a loose ball up in the air before sending an acrobatic volley into the corner of the net.
23ćAncelotti blames busy period
Reacting to the 1-1 draw with West Ham at Upton Park Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted his team only started playing after the break.
And he has also blamed the busy festive period for his team’s poor first-half display.
He said: "We started only in the last 45 minutes. Before we played without intensity and slow. We didn’t move the ball quickly in midfield.
"We’re not in the best moment but every team has problems in this period.
"There are a lot of matches, every three days, and it’s not easy to maintain concentration, to maintain strength every three days."
West Ham midfielder Scott Parker hailed his side’s "do or die",Air Max 92; attitude after they held Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea to a 1-1 draw.
The visitors could have gone six points clear with a win but the Hammers took a shock lead through Alessandro Diamanti’s penalty.