Villarreal CF now has its complete schedule for the UEFA Champions League group stage. The draw held on Thursday placed Iñigo Pérez's team in a high-level group, and the club has published the dates and times for all six matches, as reported by journalist José Luis Artús in Mundo Deportivo.
The European campaign kicks off at home on Tuesday, September 8 at 21:00, with Borussia Dortmund as the first opponent at La Cerámica stadium. This continental start comes during an irregular beginning in La Liga, where Villarreal sits in 12th place with 2 points from three games, having recorded zero wins, two draws, and one loss. The team has scored 4 goals and conceded 5, leaving a negative goal difference of -1. Before the Champions League opener, the team faces Deportivo La Coruna, who are 11th in the table, at home on September 5.
Which rivals will visit La Cerámica?
The schedule reserves three major European nights at the yellow fortress. After Dortmund, Napoli will be the next visitor on Tuesday, October 13, also at 21:00. The third home fixture will be against the powerful Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, November 3, another match starting at nine in the evening. These games will be a stern test for Villarreal's defense, which is seeking greater solidity after a season start with five goals conceded. Fans can follow the team's progress and check all commitments on our fixtures page.
What are the most challenging away trips?
The away agenda is equally demanding. The first trip will be to Anfield to face Liverpool on Tuesday, October 20 at 21:00. In November, the team will fly to Prague to play against Slavia on Wednesday, November 26 at 18:45. The final away game of the year will be in Turkey to face Fenerbahçe on Tuesday, January 20, also with a 18:45 kick-off. These travels will test the squad's depth, which can be reviewed in our squad section.
How and when does the group stage end?
The group stage will conclude with a high-voltage match. Villarreal CF will play its sixth and final game on Wednesday, January 27 at 21:00 at Old Trafford, against Manchester United. This clash could be decisive for qualification to the knockout stages. With the team currently five points behind leaders Alaves in the domestic standings, performance in Europe takes on added importance for the season's morale and objectives. Supporters can check the team's position in the La Liga standings at any time.
With the schedule now on the table, Villarreal CF faces a double load of matches between the league and the Champions League. The immediate priority is the match against Deportivo, which will serve as the final rehearsal before the big continental debut against Borussia Dortmund.
