- Fixture: Villarreal vs. Athletic Club
- Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025
- Venue: Estadi Montilivi, Valladolid, Spain
Match Preview
Villarreal and Athletic Club meet in a crucial La Liga fixture this Sunday at the Estadi Montilivi in Valladolid. Both teams are locked in a battle for European qualification, with Athletic Club sitting fourth on 53 points and Villarreal trailing in fifth with 47 points. The stakes are high as the season nears its conclusion, and this encounter could prove decisive in shaping the final standings.
Villarreal enters the match following a narrow 2-1 defeat against Atlético Madrid. Despite dominating possession with 52%, they struggled defensively, conceding 14 shots on goal while managing only 11 themselves. Prior to this, Villarreal had shown glimpses of their attacking prowess with victories over Espanyol and Getafe. However, injuries have hampered their progress, with key players like Nicolás Pépé and Ayoze Pérez sidelined due to muscle issues. Villarreal has scored an impressive 51 goals this season but has also been vulnerable at the back, conceding 39 goals.
Athletic Club, meanwhile, comes off a challenging 2-0 loss to Real Madrid. Ernesto Valverde’s side managed only 42% possession and struggled to break down Real Madrid’s defense despite seven attempts on goal. Before this setback, Athletic had been consistent, securing wins against Sevilla and AS Roma in European competition. Their defensive record is one of the best in La Liga, having conceded just 24 goals all season. With nine clean sheets to their name and a goals-against average of only 0.83 per game, Athletic will rely on their defensive organization to counter Villarreal’s attacking threats.
The head-to-head history between these teams suggests a closely contested affair. In their last five meetings, Athletic Club has won three times compared to Villarreal’s solitary victory. The most recent clash saw Athletic emerge victorious with a 2-0 scoreline in December 2024. Villarreal will aim to reverse this trend, leveraging their attacking flair against Athletic’s structured defense.
Key Players
Villarreal
- Gerard Moreno: Despite limited appearances this season due to injuries, Moreno remains a clinical finisher who can exploit any defensive lapses.
- Alejandro Baena: A creative midfielder with six goals and eight assists this season5, Baena is pivotal in linking midfield to attack.
- Yeremy Pino: Known for his pace and dribbling ability, Pino could be instrumental in breaking down Athletic’s compact defense.
Athletic Club
- Nico Williams: The winger’s speed and creativity make him a constant threat on the counterattack.
- Oihan Sancet: With 13 goals this season2, Sancet is Athletic’s top scorer and a key figure in their attacking setup.
- Unai Simón: The Spanish international goalkeeper boasts an impressive save percentage of 72.1%1, making him crucial in keeping Villarreal at bay.
Prediction
This matchup promises to be tightly contested given both teams’ contrasting strengths—Villarreal’s attacking firepower versus Athletic’s defensive solidity. Villarreal’s home advantage could play a role in tilting the balance slightly in their favor; however, Athletic’s ability to grind out results makes them formidable opponents. A draw seems the most likely outcome given the balance between these sides. Predicted scoreline: 1-1.
Betting Markets
| Market | Odds (Fractional) | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Villarreal to Win | 9/4 | Bet Now |
| Draw | 12/5 | Bet Now |
| Athletic Club to Win | 11/5 | Bet Now |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 10/11 | Bet Now |
| Under 2.5 Goals | 10/11 | Bet Now |
| Both Teams to Score (Yes) | 8/11 | Bet Now |
| Correct Score (1-1) | 11/2 | Bet Now |
This match is set to be an intriguing battle as both teams fight for crucial points in their pursuit of European football next season.
