Villarreal aim to consolidate their place in the European stops against a Valencia side in the fight to avoid relegation (Wednesday, 7.30pm CEST)
Villarreal face a challenging derby at Mestalla (Wednesday, 7.30pm CEST). Quique Setién’s side face Valencia CF in a duel of contrasting needs and with a valuable three points at stake. The Submarine will be looking for them to consolidate fifth place; Los Che, to move away from the relegation zone.
The Submarine arrive at the derby reinforced after two important victories against RC Celta (3-1) and RCD Espanyol (4-2) at the Estadio de la Cerámica. The Yellows will be looking to extend their momentum and add a third consecutive victory that will allow them to consolidate fifth place and dream of greater heights.
Meanwhile, Valencia go into the game in desperate need of a win after a 2-1 defeat to Cádiz at the Nuevo Mirandilla. Prior to that, Rubén Baraja’s side had racked up two consecutive wins against Real Valladolid (2-1) and Elche CF (0-2) which lifted them out of the relegation places.
The last meeting between Villarreal and Valencia ended in a victory for the Yellows in the impressive relaunch of the remodelled Estadio de la Cerámica (2-1). A late goal from Juan Foyth sealed a thrilling derby for the home side.
Last season, the head-to-head clashes in the regional derby ended with each side winning a game. Villarreal won 2-0 at the Estadio de la Cerámica and Valencia did the same at Mestalla (2-0) in the first half of the season. The Submarine will have to break the dynamic of four consecutive seasons without a win at the Estadio de Cerámica.
As a curiosity, Valencia CF is the opponent that Villarreal have faced the most times in the top flight. This Wednesday’s clash will be the 57th between the two sides. Of the 56 meetings to date, 21 have been Villarreal victories to 24 wins for Valencia CF and just 11 draws.
