Villarreal CF face Liverpool at Anfield this Tuesday, 20 October, in the third matchday of the Champions League League Stage. The Yellow Submarine arrive after a 0-0 home draw against Elche in LaLiga, a result that leaves them 12th in the table with 9 points from two wins, three draws and four losses in their nine games played. Their recent form is inconsistent, with just one win in their last five matches across all competitions, though their form over the last five league games is stronger, with three wins, a draw and a loss.
Iñigo Pérez's side, appointed manager in June, aims to improve its inconsistent European record. In the Champions League, they secured a 3-1 win over Napoli, with goals from Georges Mikautadze, Álvaro Santiago Mouriño González and Tani Oluwaseyi, but lost 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund and have yet to keep a clean sheet in the competition. Their defence has conceded an average of two goals per game, a statistic they will want to address against a rival of Liverpool's calibre, who have scored 8 goals in their opening 180 minutes of the league stage.
Absences and selection doubts
Villarreal's attack will be weakened by the absence of two key players. Tajon Buchanan is out with a muscle injury and is not expected back until early November. Nicolas Pépé will also miss out after undergoing eye surgery, with no confirmed return date. In goal, the starting spot remains a question. Péter Gulácsi, who returned to the starting lineup after being rested, and Luiz Júnior have shared minutes in Europe, with one appearance each.
Midfielder Santiago Mouriño, who scored a brace against Napoli, will be a key piece in the centre of the park. His ability to arrive from deep and score could be decisive in a match of this nature. The team faces a busy schedule, with a derby against 19th-placed Valencia coming up next Saturday, 24 October.
In the league context, Villarreal CF sit 12th with 9 points, 18 behind leaders Barcelona. Their goal difference is neutral, with 13 scored and 13 conceded. The match against Liverpool represents an opportunity to secure vital group stage points before refocusing on climbing the domestic standings. The match at Anfield kicks off at 21:00 local time.
Villarreal lost 4-3 at Liverpool in Anfield on Tuesday, October 20, according to verified data. Iñigo Pérez's team led 0-2 with goals from Georges Mikautadze (4') and Sergi Cardona (29'), but Liverpool came back. Tani Oluwaseyi scored a late goal in the 87th minute. Manager Iñigo Pérez stated: "We kept the promise to face the visit to Anfield without inhibitions." The team, 12th in LaLiga, visits Valencia on Saturday.
