Focused on trying to get closer to Champions League qualification against Leganés

A win against the side from Madrid at La Cerámica would be a big step towards achieving the objective

Villarreal CF host CD Leganés in what is the most important match of the season so far at the Estadio de la Cerámica (Wednesday, 7pm CEST). A tough tie where the Submarine are playing to get a step closer to returning to the leading European competition, while the away team need the points to get out of the relegation zone and continue alive in their fight for survival.

The Yellow Submarine will try and win at home, going into the back of the match where they won at Montilivi, thanks to an incredible Etta Eyong header in the final stages of the game (0-1). An extremely important goal for Villarreal, which brings them closer to their objective of playing Champions League football next season.

It was even more important given the draw between Real Betis and CA Osasuna at the Benito Villamarín (1-1) on Sunday. That increased the Yellows’ lead over the side from Seville to three points. Athletic Club, who sit in fourth, also did the job they needed to do against Alavés at San Mamés, winning 0-1. They will travel to Getafe CF this Thursday.

The most important match of the season

The tie against Leganés will be like a final for Marcelino’s side, who go into the match on a great run of three wins in a row, which shows the team’s motivation to achieve their ambitious objective and fight until the end of the season to compete in the UEFA Champions League next year, which would be the fifth time in the club’s history, and show that hard work in a great season does pay off.

The Submarine are back at La Cerámica, where they have got two wins from their last two matches, against Espanyol (1-0) and Osasuna (4-2). The home fans will once again be key for Marcelino’s men.

CD Leganes arrive in Vila-real after beating RCD Espanyol (3-2), and need to take the three points from La Cerámica. The side from Madrid, go into this round of fixtures 18th in the table, a point away from 17th, and have no room for error. They need to get three points from each of their last three fixtures to secure their place in LALIGA EA Sports next season. They are currently on four-match unbeaten run, which sees Borja Jimenez’s side still alive in their fight.

A great run despite players missing

Despite a number of important players missing in recent games, Villarreal are on a good run of form. Marcelino has found solutions to the absences of players such as Kiko Femenía or Thierno Barry, thanks to the high level of everyone in the squad, and the good performances of B-team players who have stepped up, such as Pau Navarro and Etta Eyong.

Against Leganés, Villarreal will try and get a crucial result that could be the difference between qualifying for the Champions League or not. Both the team and the fans will give their all to return to the top European competition.