Villarreal's home comfort: Yellow Submarine crushing teams outside European competition
Marcelino's men have won 12 and drawn 1 against teams not playing in Europe this season, showing remarkable consistency when facing 'lesser' opposition.
Villarreal are absolutely bossing it against teams not involved in European football this season, showing championship-level consistency when they’re expected to win.
Dominant against the ‘smaller’ sides
After wiping away their worst run of form this season with a thumping victory over Espanyol, the Yellow Submarine have reminded everyone of their quality in front of the La Cerámica faithful. The win showcased the reliability that’s kept them among La Liga’s top performers all campaign.
The numbers against teams not competing in Europe this season are simply staggering:
- Record: 12 wins, 1 draw from 13 matches
- Goals: 34 scored, just 10 conceded
- Only blip: A recent draw away at Osasuna
Marcelino’s men have been ruthlessly efficient, dispatching the likes of Girona (5-0), Espanyol (4-1), Alavés (3-1) and Real Sociedad (2-3) with clinical precision.
The full hit list
Villarreal have taken maximum points against:
- Oviedo (2-0)
- Girona (5-0)
- Osasuna (2-1) - first meeting
- Sevilla (1-2)
- Valencia (0-2)
- Espanyol (0-2 and 4-1)
- Mallorca (2-1)
- Real Sociedad (2-3)
- Getafe (2-0)
- Elche (1-3)
- Alavés (3-1)
The only time they’ve dropped points against non-European opposition was that recent draw at Osasuna in the return fixture.
Fresh faces get their chance
The comfortable win against Espanyol also provided the perfect opportunity to blood some new talent:
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Alex Freeman: The American right-back made his debut, coming on in the 73rd minute for Santiago Mouriño. He becomes just the third US-born player to don the Villarreal shirt, following Jozy Altidore and Giuseppe Rossi.
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Hugo López: The 18-year-old academy product from Alcantarilla (Murcia) made his La Liga debut, having already featured in Copa del Rey and Champions League matches this season.
With this kind of form against teams outside the European places, Villarreal are showing they’ve got the consistency needed to be proper contenders. If they can sort their form against the bigger boys, they’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.