Villarreal’s recent 2-1 victory against Athletic Club at San Mames has significant implications for their La Liga campaign, solidifying their position in third place and all-but guaranteeing a UEFA Champions League spot for next season.
This win is particularly notable as it marks Villarreal’s first league double over Athletic Club since the 2010/11 season. The match saw Sergi Cardona score his first goal since August 2024, while Alfon Gonzalez netted his first since joining on loan from Sevilla in January.
Gorka Guruzeta also made headlines by scoring his 14th goal of the season across all competitions, showcasing his importance to the team. Despite the victory, Villarreal has struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 15 La Liga matches.
Villarreal’s manager, Marcelino Garcia Toral, whose contract runs until the end of the 2025-26 campaign, faces scrutiny as the club has only won two of their last eight away games. The team’s inconsistency raises questions about their ability to maintain their current standing.
In a moment of controversy, Nicolas Pepe thought he had restored a two-goal lead for Villarreal, but his late strike was ruled out by VAR due to an offside in the build-up, highlighting the fine margins that can affect match outcomes.
On the other hand, Tani Oluwaseyi registered his second assist and ninth goal contribution of the campaign, further proving his value to the squad. Coach Jesse Marsch praised him, stating, “Tani is also one of our smartest players.”
As Villarreal looks ahead, their next match is against Real Oviedo on April 23, where they will aim to build on this momentum. The team’s performance in the coming weeks will be crucial as they strive to secure their Champions League position.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential changes in coaching staff, as reports suggest Villarreal may move on from Marcelino, who had sought a two-year contract extension while the club was only willing to offer a 12-month renewal.