The Yellow Submarine host Valencia for a new chapter of their special rivalry (Sunday, 9pm CET)
Matches between Villarreal CF and Valencia CF are always special. This Sunday at 9pm CEST, the Estadio de la Cerámica will host a new chapter in this vibrant regional rivalry, built year by year over the nearly three decades that the Yellow Submarine has competed at the top level of Spanish football.
Every clash has its own story and reasons to fight for victory, from pure excitement to necessity. With one thing in common: a derby is always worth more than just three points.
For this second-round encounter, Villarreal comes in third in the table, aiming to remain in the positions that grant access to the UEFA Champions League, while Valencia, in 15th place, will be looking to move away from the relegation zone and dream of climbing the standings.
Both sides arrive at the match after winning another derby, each against Levante UD at the Ciutat de València. Valencia claimed their victory last weekend in a tight game thanks to goals from Ramazani and Sadiq (0-2), while Villarreal secured their win on Wednesday in the rescheduled Matchday 16 match with a solitary goal from Mikautadze.
Past encounters at La Cerámica
Villarreal CF has a strong record in league derbies played at home. Historically, the Yellow Submarine has the upper hand, winning 15 of the 25 matches played in Primera División at this stadium, while Valencia has only taken all three points on four occasions.
The Yellow Submarine has claimed six wins and two draws in the last eight home derbies. Valencia’s last victory at the Cerámica came in the 2016/17 season, when Carlos Soler and Santi Mina scored in a 0-2 win. Since then, Villarreal has always earned points when hosting their neighbours. Last season, a late Sadiq goal prevented the Yellow Submarine from extending a six-match winning streak in the derby.
In the reverse match at Mestalla, Villarreal won 0-2, with goals from Gerard Moreno (penalty) and Santi Comesaña.
