Girona vs Villarreal

Villarreal's quest for a top-five finish in La Liga and a spot in the 2025-26 Champions League will take them to Girona on Saturday evening.

The Yellow Submarine currently hold fifth place, just one point ahead of sixth-placed Real Betis. Meanwhile, Girona sit in 15th, six points above the relegation zone with only four matches remaining.

Girona head into the weekend buoyed by a crucial win against Mallorca, where Cristhian Stuani’s 10th-minute strike secured a vital three points in their fight to stay in La Liga. With a six-point cushion over 18th-placed Las Palmas, the pressure has eased slightly for Michel’s squad, but they still have work to do to guarantee their top-flight status next season.

Last season, Girona impressively finished third to earn a Champions League spot, but this campaign has been tough, with the team languishing in 16th. At home, the White and Reds have earned 24 points from 17 league games, but they face a Villarreal side with the third-best away record in La Liga, amassing 30 points from 17 road matches.

The earlier meeting between these teams this season ended in a 2-2 draw, while Villarreal claimed a 1-0 victory at Girona’s Montilivi Stadium in the 2023-24 season.

Villarreal come into the match fresh off a 4-2 win over Osasuna, powered by Ayoze Perez’s brace. The Spaniard has enjoyed a stellar season, netting 16 goals in 27 La Liga appearances. Sitting fifth, Villarreal are one point clear of Real Betis and three behind fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao, setting the stage for a thrilling battle for Champions League qualification.

Securing at least Europa League football is assured for Villarreal next season, but failing to clinch a Champions League spot would be a major letdown. A win this weekend is crucial for Marcelino’s men.

Villarreal’s final three league games against Leganes, Barcelona, and Sevilla will likely demand maximum points to lock in a top-five finish. The Yellow Submarine last competed in the Champions League in 2021-22, reaching the semi-finals, but their recent European ventures have been in the Conference League and Europa League.

For their La Liga matchup with Villarreal on Saturday, Girona may once more be without Gabriel Misehouy, Donny van de Beek, Miguel Gutierrez, Ricard Artero, and Bryan Gil.

Stuani, 38, has scored nine goals in La Liga so far this season and ought to stay in the latter third of the field.

Regarding Villarreal, Kiko Femenia, Raul Albiol, and Ilias Akhomach will miss the match because of injury issues, but Yeremy Pino will return to the squad following a suspension.

Femenia is anticipated to be replaced at right-back by Pau Navarro, Alex Baena is anticipated to return down left, and Pape Gueye is anticipated to be benched this weekend.