The Asturian coach brings his time at the club to a close with major achievements and outstanding records with the Yellow Submarine
Marcelino García Toral is one of the most influential head coaches in the history of Villarreal CF. The coach from Villaviciosa, who will conclude a brilliant second spell at the club at the end of the season, leaves behind an outstanding legacy marked by success and remarkable numbers at the helm of the Yellow Submarine.
Below, we look back at some of the most significant moments and records of a coach who has left an indelible mark on Villarreal CF.
Historic promotion to LaLiga (2012/13)
Marcelino first arrived at Villarreal during a time of great difficulty. At the beginning of 2013, the Asturian coach took charge of the Submarine in the second division, with one clear mission: to return the club to the top flight of Spanish football. After a remarkable second half of the season full of drama and determination, Villarreal achieved promotion on the final matchday, defeating Almería 1-0 at the old El Madrigal to seal a historic return to LaLiga.
A rapid return to Europe (2013/14)
In their first season back in LaLiga, Villarreal CF, under the guidance of Marcelino García Toral, secured qualification for the UEFA Europa League. The Yellow Submarine enjoyed an outstanding campaign, finishing sixth with 59 points, an exceptional achievement for a newly promoted side.
The success did not stop there. Over the next two seasons with the Asturian coach in charge, Villarreal continued to thrive on the European stage, qualifying again for the Europa League in 2014/15, and then earning a place in the Champions League during the 2015/16 campaign, firmly establishing the club among Spain’s and Europe’s elite.
Copa del Rey semi-finals (2014/15)
In the 2014/15 season, Villarreal CF reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals, their best-ever run in the competition. The Yellows were eliminated by one of the greatest FC Barcelona sides in history. Coached by Luis Enrique, the Catalan giants went on to complete the historic treble, lifting the league title, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League that season.
One step away from the Europa League final (2015/16)
During the 2015/16 campaign, Villarreal once again came within touching distance of European glory. Marcelino’s side enjoyed a memorable run in the UEFA Europa League, knocking out top teams such as Napoli and Bayer Leverkusen along the way. After winning the first leg of the semi-final against Liverpool (1-0) at El Madrigal, the Submarine were defeated in the return leg at Anfield (3-0), narrowly missing out on a place in the European final.
Return to the Champions League and LaLiga goalscoring record (2024/25)
During his second spell as Yellow Submarine head coach, Marcelino García Toral not only took charge of the team once again at a challenging moment for the club, but after engineering a remarkable comeback in the 2023/24 season, he led Villarreal CF back to the UEFA Champions League the following year, finishing fifth with 70 points.
In that 2024/25 campaign, which confirmed Villarreal’s return to Europe’s elite competition, the team also set a new club goalscoring record in LaLiga, registering the highest number of goals ever scored by Villarreal CF in a single top-flight season, with 71 goals.
Marcelino becomes the most-capped head coach in Villarreal CF history (2025)
In October 2025, Marcelino García Toral became the head coach with the most matches managed in the history of Villarreal CF, overtaking Manuel Pellegrini. By the end of the season, the Asturian coach is set to reach a total of 298 official matches in charge of the Yellow Submarine.
To date, Marcelino has recorded 145 victories, boasting an excellent win percentage of over 49%, further cementing his status as the most successful and enduring coach in the club’s history.
The best first half-season in Villarreal CF history (2025/26)
In the current campaign, under the guidance of Marcelino García Toral, Villarreal CF have recorded the best first half of a season in the club’s history in LaLiga. The Yellows amassed an outstanding 44 points from their first 19 matches, a club record that underlines the team’s consistency, strength and ambition during the opening phase of the season.
Back-to-back Champions League qualifications and a club record (2025/26)
As the crowning achievement of his time in charge, Marcelino reached a landmark never before achieved by the club. With the Asturian at the helm, Villarreal CF secured back-to-back qualification for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history.
Furthermore, Marcelino García Toral has become the head coach who has led Villarreal CF to the Champions League on the most occasions, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential and successful figures the club has ever known.
