The Submarine close a campaign with another Champions League qualification, third place in LaLiga and unforgettable moments
Villarreal CF will never forget the 2025/26 season. For the first time in the club’s history, the Yellows secured back-to-back qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Historic goals, records, emotional returns and a farewell in grand style.
Before turning attention to next season, it’s time to look back at the 10 most memorable moments of a historic campaign:
1. Buchanan makes history with a hat-trick against Girona (5-0)
With his hat-trick, Tajon Buchanan etched his name into the LALIGA history books, becoming the first Canadian player to score three goals in a single match in the history of Spain’s top division.
Wearing the Yellow shirt, a total of 12 players have managed to score a hat-trick in a LaLiga match. Alongside the Canadian, the list includes Riquelme, Forlán, Uche, Bakambu, Bacca, Gerard Moreno, Danjuma, Yeremy, Morales, Sorloth and Barry.
2. The return of the Champions League to Vila-real (2-2)
The clash against Juventus marked the return of Europe’s top competition to Vila-real and the Estadio de la Cerámica. After Villarreal took the lead through a goal from Mikautadze, the Italian side turned the scoreline around after the break and held the advantage until the final minutes. However, in the dying moments, a powerful header from Renato Veiga made it 2-2, sparking delight among the Yellow Submarine fans.
3. Derby win at Mestalla (0-2)
The Yellows defeated Valencia at Mestalla and painted the derby yellow with a penalty goal from Gerard Moreno and another strike from Santi Comesaña. That day, after scoring, the number ‘7’ kissed the badge in celebration, leaving one of the most iconic images of the season.
4. A record-breaking first half of the season
The consistency of Marcelino García Toral’s side came close to perfection during the opening stretch of the campaign. The Submarine surpassed all previous records and completed the best first half of a season in their history in Spanish top-flight football, collecting an impressive 44 points from the first 19 matchdays.
5. Retro matchday and 1,500 points in top-flight history
A date filled with nostalgia and pride. In a very special match, set against a retro theme to honour the club’s origins, Villarreal secured a prestigious victory against Athletic at San Mamés (1-2), reaching a total of 1,500 points in the top flight.
6. The return of Willy Kambwala and Logan Costa
Football is also about resilience, and the fans recognised it. After suffering the misfortune of injuries, one of the most heartwarming moments of the season was seeing Willy Kambwala and Logan Costa back on the pitch, receiving the warmth and a huge ovation from La Cerámica on their return to action.
7. Two consecutive Champions League qualifications for the first time in the club’s history
For the first time in the club’s history, Villarreal CF secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League in two consecutive seasons. The Submarine achieved this milestone emphatically, finishing third in LaLiga for only the second time in their history.
8. A well-deserved legendary tribute to Marcelino
The Asturian coach brought his second spell in charge of the Yellow Submarine to a close in style. Before his final match, Marcelino was honoured by the club as he unveiled his own commemorative tile on the Passeig Groc, after becoming the coach with the most matches in Villarreal history this season.
9. Tears and gratitude in the farewell to Parejo and Pedraza
An unforgettable chapter came to an end. The club and the fans paid a heartfelt and well-deserved tribute to Dani Parejo and Alfonso Pedraza as they said goodbye. Two iconic figures who leave behind a huge legacy, honoured on the pitch with the presentation of commemorative shirts marking their 270 and 235 official appearances in Yellow.
10. The perfect ending: third place and the Champions Party
Villarreal CF closed the season with a historic thrashing of Atlético de Madrid (5-1) at the Estadio de la Cerámica, securing third place in LaLiga — the club’s best finish since their memorable runners-up campaign in 2007/08.
