Villarreal B faces Algeciras this Thursday at the Mini Estadi aiming for a second consecutive victory in the league. David Albelda's side arrives in high spirits after a 1-2 away win against Rayo Majadahonda last matchday, a triumph sealed by an Albert García double in added time of each half.
The match, officiated by José David Martínez Montalbán from the Murcian refereeing committee, kicks off at 19:00 at the Ciudad Deportiva José Manuel Llaneza. Albelda will welcome back two key players: full-back Álvaro García and central midfielder Joselillo Gaitán, both returning from suspension. The coach confirmed the squad's positive mood. "El equipo viene de ganar a domicilio al Rayo Majadahonda (1-2), gracias al doblete conseguido por Albert García con un gol en el tiempo añadido de cada periodo," Albelda said.
How will Albelda line up Villarreal B?
The expected starting lineup for Villarreal B features Yakiv Kinareykin in goal. The defensive line would consist of Jan Encuentra, Enric Pujol, Álvaro García, and Eneko Ortiz. In midfield, Nizar, Pablo Pascual, Cheikh, and the returning Joselillo Gaitán are tasked with controlling possession. Up front, Albert García, scorer of the opening day double, and Baratucci are likely to lead the attack.
The yellow subs' bench offers solid alternatives. Álex Quevedo is the backup goalkeeper, and outfield options include players like Fofana, Barry, Facundo, Álvaro Alcaide, Diallo, Álex Palomares, Keita, Traoré, Valen Gómez, and Ayman. This depth allows Albelda to make tactical changes as the game unfolds. The full first-team squad of Villarreal CF, currently 15th in La Liga, can be viewed on our squad page.
What do we know about the opponent, Algeciras?
Algeciras travels to Castellón after a 1-3 defeat in their first home match against Cartagena. Their manager, Adrián Colunga, has no injury concerns and has a full squad following the arrival of Enrique Herrero from Levante. The starting goalkeeper will be Iván Moreno. The defense is expected to be formed by Fran, Aleix Coch or José Carlos, Víctor Ruiz, Tomás, and Jony Álamo.
In midfield, Toni Ramón, Óscar Castro, Javi Avilés, Juanma, and Diego will try to disrupt Villarreal B's play. On the visitors' bench are Tao as the substitute keeper, and players like Dani, Raúl Rubio, Pau, Ángel Gómez, Turrillo, Almeida, Paris Adot, and Riley. The Andalusian side will look to react and get their first points of the season at a difficult ground.
What is the context for the first team?
While the B team chases its second win, Villarreal CF's first team is navigating the start of La Liga with two points from three games. Their current standing is 15th, with zero wins, two draws, and one loss, and a recent form of LDD. They have scored four goals and conceded five, for a -1 goal difference.
Marcelino García Toral's side sits seven points behind leaders Barcelona. Their next top-flight fixture is a home match against 8th-placed Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, September 5th. Fans can track the league position on our standings page. On the injury front, Argentine defender Juan Foyth remains sidelined, with his status detailed on the injuries page.
What does this match mean for the B team's season?
A win against Algeciras would mean a very strong start to the season for Villarreal B, with six points from a possible six. It would solidify the positive momentum from Majadahonda and build confidence in a team with several new faces. The return of Álvaro García and Joselillo Gaitán significantly strengthens the full-back and creative midfield areas, respectively.
On the other hand, Algeciras is a wounded opponent coming off an opening defeat and in desperate need of points. This promises an intense match where Villarreal B will need to be clinical to overcome a side that won't give up easily. The performance of Albert García, who has already shown his scoring touch, will be key once again. The team's next fixture is at home next weekend.
