Marcelino’s side travel to Asturias looking to all but seal a place in next season’s Champions League (Thursday, 9:30pm CEST)

Villarreal CF travel to face Real Oviedo this Thursday at 9:30pm CEST at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere. The Matchday 33 clash in LALIGA EA Sports sees the Yellow Submarine aiming to extend their excellent run of form in a demanding setting and take another step towards securing qualification for the UEFA Champions League for a second consecutive season, something the club has never achieved before.

Marcelino García Toral’s men head to Asturias full of confidence. After a superb 1-2 win at San Mamés during the Retro Matchday, Villarreal have not only strengthened their position in the Champions League places, but also extended a remarkable record: they remain unbeaten away from home against all northern sides this season, including Athletic Club, Real Sociedad, Deportivo Alavés, RC Celta and CA Osasuna.

Sitting third in the table and holding a valuable four-point cushion over fourth-placed Atlético de Madrid, the groguets are targeting another away victory that would represent a huge step towards next season’s Champions League.

It will not be an easy task. Real Oviedo come into the match in their best moment of the season, clinging firmly to their survival hopes. The Asturian side have picked up back-to-back wins against Sevilla FC (1-0) and an impressive 0-3 victory away at RC Celta. This resurgence has taken them to 27 points, just six shy of safety, currently marked by Deportivo Alavés on 33 points. The Tartiere is set to be a cauldron.

The Submarine unbeaten against Oviedo in LaLiga

Despite the hosts’ urgency, the historical record in the top flight strongly favours Villarreal. Real Oviedo have never beaten the Yellow Submarine in LaLiga. In their five top-flight meetings, Villarreal have recorded three wins and two draws.

The most recent encounter came earlier this season, on 15^th August, when the Groguets secured a convincing 2-0 victory at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Now, Villarreal will look to replicate that result in Asturias and further cement their grip on third place.