Villarreal Aims to Strengthen Champions League Positioning
Villarreal is gearing up for a crucial match on Monday as they strive to secure a spot in the Champions League for next season. They will face Espanyol, a team also in contention for European positions. A victory would create a significant 11-point gap from their rival, as highlighted by coach Marcelino.
Analyzing the Stakes
Marcelino emphasized the importance of this match, stating, “Winning would not only put us ahead by 11 points, but it would also tighten the race for fourth place.” Following Real Betis’ recent win against Atlético, the competition for the fourth slot has intensified.
Current Standing
As it stands, Betis trails Villarreal by just four points. Additionally, Villarreal holds the edge in goal difference but has a postponed match against Levante still pending. Meanwhile, a defeat for Atlético opens the door for Villarreal to climb to third place, just three points away.
Villarreal’s Recent Performance
Villarreal has struggled recently, with no league victories in the past three matches, compounded by two unfavorable results in the Champions League. Despite this, they aim to return to winning form against a struggling Espanyol, who hasn’t secured a win in 2023.
Espanyol’s Challenges
- Espanyol accumulated 34 points in the first half of the season, showcasing their competitiveness.
- They experienced near-misses in recent games, losing to Valencia in the final minute and narrowly avoiding defeat against Alavés.
Marcelino recognizes the toughness of Espanyol despite their recent form, stating, “They have achieved four victories away on tough grounds. It won’t be an easy match.”
Injury Updates
Villarreal’s lineup will miss Thomas Partey due to injury and the regular absences of Logan Costa, Kambwala, and Foyth. However, there is a chance that Ayoze might return to the squad after gradually rejoining practice. Marcelino also mentioned that Gerard and Sergi Cardona have been managing minor injuries, raising concerns about their availability for the starting eleven.
Espanyol’s Lineup Issues
Espanyol will be without Ramon Terrats and Carlos Romero, who are both on loan from Villarreal. Their absence is due to a contractual clause that the club will not activate for this match. Additionally, forward Javi Puado is sidelined with a serious knee injury.
In conclusion, as Villarreal aims to strengthen their Champions League positioning, they face formidable challenges against a competitive Espanyol. Every point counts as the season progresses.
