Villarreal aims to secure their first victory of the 2025-26 Champions League season as they prepare to host Manchester City at the Estadi de la Ceramica this Sunday.
Manchester City, seeking to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches across all competitions, look to collect seven points from their initial three group games with a win.
Preview: Villarreal vs Manchester City
Villarreal have made a promising start in La Liga, currently positioned third with 17 points, though they may regret dropping points after surrendering a two-goal advantage to Real Betis, conceding a last-gasp equalizer in the 94th minute.
Despite that setback, the Yellow Submarine are determined to capitalize on their encouraging European outings, having earned just one point so far following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tottenham and a late 2-2 draw against Juventus.
Manchester City experienced a slow beginning to their Premier League campaign but have since found their rhythm. After a convincing 2-0 victory over Everton on Saturday, they now sit on 16 points. In the Champions League, Pep Guardiola‘s squad opened with a 2-0 win over Napoli and followed up with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Monaco.
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Past Meetings: Villarreal vs Manchester City
The clubs have clashed twice before, both times in the 2011-12 Champions League group phase, with Manchester City emerging victorious on both occasions.
However, City’s away record against Spanish teams in the Champions League is less impressive, with only four wins from 14 matches, alongside seven defeats. Villarreal, in contrast, have been formidable at home in Europe, losing just once in their last ten home fixtures (six wins, three draws).
It’s also worth noting that Villarreal have struggled against English opposition in recent UEFA tournaments, failing to win in their last eight encounters (three draws, five losses), including five consecutive defeats.
Team News: Villarreal and Manchester City
Villarreal face several absences due to injury. Central defender Pau Cabanes remains sidelined with a knee injury, while midfielder Luca Costa is also out with a similar issue. Defender Juan Foyth is unavailable due to a muscle strain, and Willy Kambwala is ruled out with a hamstring problem.
Manchester City will be without young defender Abdukodir Khusanov and wing-back Rayan Ait Nouri, both sidelined by ankle injuries. Midfielder Rodri is also out with a hamstring strain. All eyes will be on Erling Haaland, who aims to extend his remarkable Champions League tally of 36 goals in 32 appearances.
Likely Starting Lineups
Villarreal: Tenas; Alfonso, Veiga, Marin, Cardona; Buchanan, Comesana, Parejo, Moleiro; Mikautadze, Pepe
Manchester City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Gonzalez; Bernardo, Foden, Reijnders, Doku; Haaland
Prediction and Betting Advice
Although Manchester City enter this fixture as favorites, their recent away form in the Champions League has been underwhelming, with no wins in their last five road games (one draw, four losses). This frailty could be exploited by a resilient Villarreal side eager to claim a positive result in the group stage.
Expected Scoreline: Villarreal 2-2 Manchester City
Betting Tips:
- Consider wagering on both teams to find the net, given their attacking prowess and recent form.
- A high-scoring draw seems plausible based on historical data and current squad strengths.
- Watch for Haaland to continue his impressive goal-scoring streak in the Champions League.