Villarreal CF has announced its starting lineup for the friendly match against Borussia Dortmund. The German club has also revealed its team.
The Yellow Submarine's manager has chosen a classic 4-4-2 formation. Peter Gulacsi will start in goal. The defense consists of Alfonso Pedraza, Aïssa Mandi, Jorge Cuenca, and Kiko Femenía. In midfield, Dani Parejo and Étienne Capoue will act as the double pivot, with Yeremy Pino and Álex Baena deployed on the wings. The attack will feature Gerard Moreno and Alexander Sørloth.
How is Borussia Dortmund lining up?
The side managed by Edin Terzić will start with a 4-2-3-1 system. Gregor Kobel will be in goal. The back four will be Julian Ryerson, Niklas Süle, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Ian Maatsen. In the center, Salih Özcan and Marcel Sabitzer will provide balance. Julian Brandt will occupy the attacking midfield role, with Karim Adeyemi and Donyell Malen on the flanks. The central striker will be Sébastien Haller.
This match serves as preparation for the resumption of LaLiga. Villarreal CF is facing a difficult start to the season, currently sitting 17th in the standings with just 2 points from four games. Their record is zero wins, two draws, and two losses, with a recent form of LLDD. The team has scored 6 goals and conceded 8, leaving a -2 goal difference.
What is Villarreal's context before the match?
The team approaches this friendly with two key players ruled out. Both Juan Foyth and Carlos Romero are currently injured and unavailable for the manager. In attack, the top scorer this season so far is Nicolas Pépé, with 2 goals in 4 appearances.
The yellow side is 10 points behind leaders Barcelona in the title race. Their next official fixture is on September 14th, a home match against Real Betis, who are fourth in the table. Full schedule details are available on the fixtures page.
What is expected from this friendly?
The game is a chance to test tactics and sharpen fitness before returning to domestic competition. For Villarreal, finding defensive solidity is particularly important after conceding an average of two goals per league game. The performance of the forwards, beyond Pépé's goals, will also be closely watched.
The match will be played at the club's training ground stadium. The last time the two teams met was in the Champions League group stage several seasons ago, with each side winning their home game. Monday's friendly has no trophy at stake, but holds significant importance for preparation. Villarreal CF's next official match is on September 14, 2026, at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
