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Villarreal’s return to European competition began on a sour note as they fell 1-0 away to Tottenham. In what was largely a tight, tactical match, the decisive moment came from a costly error by goalkeeper Luiz Júnior, who gifted Spurs their winner. Despite late efforts from Nicolas Pépé and others, Marcelino’s men couldn’t find a way back.
The “Yellow Submarine” quickly steadied themselves, however, with a 2-1 home win over Osasuna in La Liga. Last week brought a busy domestic schedule, including a trip to Sevilla followed by a clash with Athletic Bilbao. Those results, alongside their European challenge, will set the tone for Villarreal’s ambitions in both competitions.
Juventus: Thrills and Defensive Woes
Juventus’ Champions League opener was a rollercoaster. At home against Borussia Dortmund, the Bianconeri played out an extraordinary 4-4 draw. After a goalless first half, the second erupted with eight goals, capped by two dramatic late strikes from Juve to rescue a point.
The display highlighted both their attacking power and their defensive fragility. While Igor Tudor’s team has been prolific, their lack of composure at the back remains a concern if they hope to progress deep into the tournament. In Serie A, however, they have started strongly, unbeaten after four games with three wins — including a 2-0 victory over Parma, a 1-0 success at Genoa, and a wild 4-3 triumph over Inter. Their next league challenge was a home meeting with Atalanta.
Team News and Key Players
Villarreal are dealing with significant injury problems. Veteran forward Gerard Moreno, the club’s all-time top scorer, is sidelined. They are also without Ayoze Pérez, last season’s standout with 19 league goals, as well as Juan Foyth, Ayman Kambwala, and young talent Ilias Akhomach. Defender Logan Costa was not registered for the competition, while youngster Cabins was left out. In addition, promising full-back P. Navarro is away on international duty with Spain’s U20s.
Marcelino does still have attacking quality to call upon. Former Ligue 1 players Georges Mikautadze (ex-Lyon) and Nicolas Pépé (ex-Lille) provide firepower, with Pépé earning Liga Player of the Month honors in August. Canadian international Tajon Buchanan adds further pace and width on the flank.
Juventus arrive with a stronger squad but not without absentees. Arkadiusz Milik was not registered for the competition, while Fabio Miretti, though listed, is sidelined by injury. Otherwise, Tudor can call on a deep and dynamic group: summer arrivals Jonathan David and Edon Zhegrova from Lille, Serbian striker Dušan Vlahović — instrumental in the comeback against Dortmund — and Turkish wonderkid Kenan Yıldız, who scored a spectacular goal on Matchday 1. Portuguese international Francisco Conceição and Belgian forward Loïs Openda round out a potent attack.
Match Outlook
Villarreal have made their home ground a difficult place to visit. They’ve won six of their last eight matches at the Estadio de la Cerámica and are unbeaten in seven top-flight meetings against Juventus, winning three of the last four. Their strong home form and tactical resilience under Marcelino give them reason for optimism.
Juventus, by contrast, have long struggled away from home in the Champions League. With only three wins in their last 19 away fixtures in the competition, their lack of consistency on the road could once again prove costly.
Prediction
Villarreal’s home strength, combined with Juventus’ travel woes, suggests the Spaniards could edge a tight contest. Expect goals, but also mistakes — and Villarreal may just capitalize more effectively.
Prediction: Villarreal 2 – 1 Juventus
