La Liga clash: can Villarreal pull away from Atletico?
On Saturday, May 2, Estadio de la Cerámica in Villarreal will host the Matchday 34 fixture of La Liga. The home side is fighting for the top spots, while the visitors are desperately battling to avoid relegation to the second division.
Match preview
Under Marcelino's guidance, Villarreal is enjoying one of their best seasons in recent years. The team sits third in the table with 65 points, holding a comfortable five-point cushion over Atletico. In the previous round, the Yellow Submarine edged past Celta 2-1, showcasing clinical finishing. The main attacking firepower is currently in the hands of Gerard Moreno and Nicolas Pepe, while Alberto Moleiro provides creativity in midfield, already netting 9 goals this season. On the injury front, long-term absentee Juan Foyth remains sidelined, and there are doubts over Thomas Partey's fitness.
Levante are in a critical situation. They are 19th in the table with 33 points from 33 games, trailing the safe 17th spot by just 2 points—meaning every defeat now could be fatal. The Frogs are unbeaten in three matches, having beaten Getafe (1-0) and Sevilla (2-0) and drawn 0-0 with Espanyol. Fans are pinning their hopes on young striker Carlos Espi, the team's top scorer with 8 goals, and the experience of veteran Jose Luis Morales. The visitors have several absentees: Roger Brugue and Unai Elgezabal are out injured, while Kervin Arriaga is suspended for this match.
Tactically, Villarreal will look to dominate possession and use quick transitions down the flanks, where Sergi Cardona and Pepe are very active. Levante will likely opt for a compact setup with five at the back, hoping to capitalize on set pieces and the occasional counter through Espi.
The gulf in quality between the sides is significant at this stage. Villarreal are at home and motivated by the chase for the title or, at the very least, a Champions League spot. Levante have looked unconvincing away from home, especially against well-organized teams. The previous meeting between these sides in February ended with a 1-0 Villarreal win, but Marcelino's men are usually more prolific on their own turf.
Probable lineups
Villarreal: Junior – Freeman, Navarro, Veiga, Pedraza – Pepe, Gueye, Comesana, Moleiro – G Moreno, Mikautadze
Levante: Ryan – Toljan, Moreno, De la Fuente, Sanchez – V Garcia, Olasgasti, Raghouber, Martinez, Alvarez – Espi
Match facts and head-to-head
- In the last five meetings, Villarreal have won three, Levante have one win, and there has been one draw
- Villarreal have won six of their last ten matches, losing only twice. The team has conceded in nine consecutive games
- Levante have won three of their last five games, keeping a clean sheet in all three victories
Prediction
Both teams are in good form, playing entertaining and high-scoring football. My prediction: both teams to score – YES at 1.6
