Villarreal host Real Valladolid after three consecutive LaLiga wins (Saturday, 2pm CEST)
Villarreal face Real Valladolid this Saturday at 2pm CEST at the Estadio de la Cerámica, in the match corresponding to Gameweek 29 of the 22/23 LaLiga season. The Submarine aim to continue their positive momentum after three consecutive wins in the league against Real Madrid (2-3), Real Sociedad (2-0) and CA Osasuna (0-3).
In recent days, Villarreal have moved up to fifth place, which previously belonged to Real Betis. The Yellows aspire to fight for the Champions League places. Fourth place is the dream that Quique Setién’s men are pursuing. It is an ambitious target, but one they can afford to aim for after taking 16 of the last 18 possible points. The Submarine, who are in the final stretch of the championship, want to take advantage of their great momentum.
The Submarine will face a side from Puebla, who come into the clash in 17th position, outside the relegation places. Valladolid are in the fight for survival and with ten games to go, every point counts.
They have gone four games without a win, with two draws against Real Valladolid (3-3) and Elche (1-1), and two defeats against Real Madrid (6-0) and Athletic Club (1-3). A dynamic that they will be looking to break. They will be looking to make amends and secure their first victory under Paulo Pezzolano, Real Valladolid’s new head coach.
Precedents are in favour of the Submarine. The groguets have beaten their opponents in the last three meetings. They won 3-0 in this season’s clash at the Estadio José Zorrilla, which opened the league championship, with a goal from Nico Jackson and a fantastic and stunning brace from Álex Baena, who introduced himself to the world with that display. Last season’s matches also went in favour of the Submarine with identical results of 2-0 (Gameweek 8) and 0-2 (Gameweek 36).
