The Submarine face a tough test against a direct European rival (Saturday, 9pm CEST)
More than just three points are at stake against Athletic Club. Villarreal CF host the Basque side this Saturday at 9.00pm at the Estadio de la Cerámica. A direct clash with one of the strongest sides in LALIGA EA Sports — a team that, just like the Yellows, are competing in this season’s UEFA Champions League.
The two sides already enjoyed a thrilling head-to-head battle last season in the race for the Champions League spots. Thanks to UEFA’s coefficient, both Athletic and Villarreal achieved their goal, finishing fourth and fifth respectively — tied on an impressive 70 points. With everything so close, it came down to a head-to-head record, which favoured the Basques, who beat Villarreal in San Mamés (2-0) and earned a valuable point in La Cerámica (0-0) in the run-in.
Villarreal in fine form before hosting Athletic
This huge clash arrives at a good time for Villarreal, who have claimed back-to-back league wins over tough opposition: a comeback against Osasuna (2-1) at home and a hard-fought away victory at Sevilla (1-2).
Marcelino’s men sit third in the table. With 13 points from a possible 18, the Yellows have made one of the best starts to a league season in the club’s history.
Athletic, on the other hand, are struggling for form in LALIGA. After a flawless opening three matches, they have now drawn at home to Girona (1-1) and suffered defeats against Valencia at Mestalla (2-0) and Deportivo Alavés at San Mamés (0-1).
The Mikautadze-Solomon connection excites
Villarreal’s last two wins have owed much to the understanding between their two most recent arrivals. Against Osasuna, Solomon provided a delicious cross for Mikautadze to head home and spark the comeback, while at the Sánchez-Pizjuán, it was the Georgian who turned provider, launching a perfect counterattack and assisting Solomon to seal the win against Sevilla.
In both matches, Villarreal dominated their rivals and fully deserved the victories, displaying attacking flair and Marcelino’s clear tactical identity. The creativity of players like Pepe, Moleiro and Oluwaseyi is thrilling supporters — as is the blossoming partnership between Solomon and Mikautadze.
Athletic, a tough opponent in recent years
While Villarreal once enjoyed a run of seven consecutive home wins over Athletic between 2005 and 2011, recent encounters have been far more balanced.
Since the 2017/18 season, Athletic have won two and drawn five of their eight visits to La Cerámica, with Villarreal winning just once — although that victory was emphatic: a 5-1 triumph under Quique Setién, with Nicolas Jackson and Álex Baena both netting braces.
Under Marcelino’s leadership, however, Villarreal have fared much better against Athletic at home: two wins and two draws in four matches.
