Villarreal will face off against Espanyol on Monday, March 3, 2025, as they both aim for valuable points during Matchday 26 of the 2024-25 La Liga season. The match, set to kick off at 3:00 PM (ET), will take place at Villarreal's home ground, the Estadio de la Cerámica. With significant stakes for both sides, this encounter promises to be exciting for fans and players alike.
The home side, Villarreal, currently sits fifth on the La Liga table with 44 points, only four points behind the coveted top four spots, making victory against Espanyol imperative. With Athletic Club's recent loss to Atletico Madrid, Villarreal can close the gap to just one point should they secure all three available points. They come off recent momentum strong, having won their last match against Rayo Vallecano with a score of 1-0.
On the other hand, Espanyol is facing its challenges, currently positioned 15th with 27 points, just seven points clear of the relegation zone. The team will be eager for points and has the chance to distance itself from the looming threat of relegation with a potential victory, especially with Valencia trailing by three points. A win could provide Espanyol with newfound confidence as they seek to climb the ranks.
Historically, Villarreal has maintained a strong advantage over Espanyol at home. Out of the last seven matches played at the Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal has won four, drawn two, and only lost once to Espanyol. The last matchup between these two teams on the same ground took place on April 27, 2023, where Villarreal triumphed with a 4-2 victory after coming from behind.
Both coaches face the challenge of managing roster absences due to injuries. Villarreal will be without Gerard Moreno and Ilias Akhomach, who are both sidelined. Kiko Femenía is on the verge of returning from his recent injury but remains uncertain for the match. Espanyol also has its share of injury woes, missing players like Paul Ramon, Fernando Pacheco, and Jose Gragera, who are all recovering from injuries.
Fans can catch the live action of Villarreal vs. Espanyol through various platforms, including ESPN+ and Disney+. The kickoff is at 3:00 PM (ET), with coverage available through streaming on services like Fubo and DirecTV Stream as well.
Both teams are hoping for favorable outcomes as they approach this decisive match. Villarreal seeks to capitalize on home advantage, riding on the confidence from their recent performances, whereas Espanyol might be banking on their string of results to push them past their recent struggles away from home. With both teams having vastly different goals, this match could offer thrilling football as the stakes are high on both sides of the pitch.