The Submarine will look to claim three points against Espanyol to strengthen their hold on fourth place (Monday, 9pm CET)

A match with a lot at stake at La Cerámica. Villarreal CF host RCD Espanyol in a direct clash in the battle for European spots (Monday, 9pm CET). The Groguets will be looking for a win that gives them confidence heading into February’s fixtures and allows them to consolidate their valuable fourth place, which is being chased by the Pericos, as well as Real Betis and RC Celta.

Marcelino’s side will try to overcome RCD Espanyol to return to winning ways and capitalise on the hard‑fought draw they earned last weekend against Osasuna at El Sadar (2–2).

In front of them will be an RCD Espanyol side that are not in their best form, despite undoubtedly being one of the surprise teams of the season. Manolo González’s men have yet to taste victory in 2026. However, this has not significantly harmed their position in the table, as they finished 2025 on an impressive run of five consecutive LALIGA wins.

Three points and… the head-to-head record

In the reverse‑fixture match, Villarreal won 0–2 against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium. Gerard Moreno put the groguets ahead with a superb strike from the edge of the box. After scoring, he apologised to his former team.

In the second half, Moleiro scored the second to seal the win for the Groguets. Now, the Submarine will aim not only to take all three points against the Catalan side, but also to secure the goal average in their favour.

Three consecutive wins against Espanyol at La Cerámica

Villarreal have won their last three home matches against RCD Espanyol. All three were played in the second half of the season. A goal from Yeremy Pino decided last season’s clash in a match postponed due to a heavy‑rain alert (1–0). The victory over the Pericos proved decisive in securing fifth place and qualifying for the Champions League.

In both 2021–22 and 2022–23, the Submarine also defeated Espanyol — and did so convincingly on both occasions. In the first of the two campaigns, the groguets ran out 5–1 winners thanks to four goals from a very young Yeremy Pino, while in the following season Capoue stole the show, scoring a brace in a match that ended 4–2 in favour of the home side.