Villarreal vs Levante: A derby already with a taste of Champions League football

The Submarine will look for the point needed to seal Champions League qualification against a side fighting for survival

The Estadio de la Cerámica will host a regional derby this Saturday 2nd May at 2pm CEST, as Villarreal CF face Levante UD on matchday 34 of LALIGA EA Sports. A decisive clash between two teams in strong form, but with very different objectives at this stage of the season.

One point away from the Champions League

Both the Submarine and the Granota arrive in excellent form, having picked up 10 of the last 15 points available in the league. Marcelino García Toral’s side come into the game boosted by their recent home win against RC Celta de Vigo (2-1), and will be aiming for another victory to mathematically secure qualification for the next UEFA Champions League, while also keeping alive their push for third place.

Levante UD, meanwhile, travel to Vila-real after earning a hard-fought draw at the RCDE Stadium against RCD Espanyol. The Valencian side are enjoying a strong end to the season, fighting hard to escape the relegation zone in a tight battle for survival in the top flight.

Chasing a perfect derby record

Another key storyline is Villarreal’s chance to complete a perfect record in regional derbies this season. So far, the Yellow Submarine have won all their matches against teams from the Valencian Community in domestic competition. A victory on Saturday would confirm a flawless run in local derbies this campaign, underlining their dominance in the region.

Previous meeting: away win in the rescheduled derby (0-1)

Looking back at the last meeting between both sides, the advantage went to Villarreal. On 18th February, the Submarine secured a 0-1 win at the Ciutat de València thanks to a second-half goal from Georges Mikautadze. That dramatic derby, originally scheduled for matchday 16, was postponed in December due to a red weather alert caused by heavy rain in the province of Valencia.