The Yellow Submarine will be the first opponents for the Asturian side, who return to the top flight after 24 years, in Santi Cazorla’s homecoming to La Cerámica
Villarreal CF will raise the curtain on the 2025/26 season this Friday, 15th August at 9.30pm CEST at the Estadio de la Cerámica, where they will host Real Oviedo in the opening match of the league campaign.
Beyond its competitive importance, the match is loaded with symbolism. Not only does it mark the return of the Asturian side to the top flight of Spanish football, but it also brings the long-awaited homecoming of Santi Cazorla to the Yellow Submarine’s fortress, the place he called home for nine seasons.
The Yellow Submarine go into the game after a demanding pre-season, which saw them face top-level opponents, and with their sights set on a campaign that will also see them compete in the UEFA Champions League for the fifth time in the club’s history. Marcelino has at his disposal a solid and experienced squad, bolstered by five new signings: Alberto Moleiro, Rafa Marín, Tajon Buchanan, Santiago Mouriño and Thomas Partey.
A classic returns to the top flight
Their opponents, Real Oviedo, come into the season with renewed excitement and the aim of consolidating their place in the top flight after a 24-year absence. Strengthened across several positions, the Asturian side will be looking to make a positive start to LALIGA.
In their previous meetings in the top division, the balance tips in Villarreal’s favour. The two sides have met four times in the top flight, with the Yellow Submarine recording two wins and two draws, remaining unbeaten.
Beyond Santi Cazorla, a total of twelve players have worn the shirts of both clubs throughout history. Among the most memorable are Jonathan Pereira, Héctor Font and Juan Carlos. That list now includes two members of the current Oviedo squad in Álex Forés and Haissem Hassan, who came through the Yellows Academy and will return to the Estadio de la Cerámica this Friday.
