- Date and Time: December 22, 18:30 GMT+1
- Venue: Estadio Municipal de Butarque, Léganes, Spain
Léganes
The majority of promoted teams opt for a compact mid-block in La Liga. While it’s not the most entertaining approach, it often works well enough to avoid relegation in the first season.
Léganes are no different; they’re solid in counter-attacks but not better than most teams with this plan. It’s the first time they’re back in Spain’s top flight since the COVID pandemic, which explains why avoiding relegation is the priority, whatever the cost.
⏯️THE ENDDDDDDDDDDD!!! YES, YES, YES LEGANÉS!!!
0-1 | #BarçaLeganés #VamosLega 🥒 pic.twitter.com/aCnymHfkcP
— C.D. Leganés 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@CDLeganes_en) December 15, 2024
Until last week, Léganes were just holding up, avoiding relegation and never running away from the fear of landing in these places.
This approach allowed them to draw against mid-table teams, and while the victories were few, they were just enough. Against top teams, this approach was broken, as seen in the defeats to Atlético de Madrid (3-1) and Real Madrid (0-3).
However, it all changed last week, as Léganes surprised Barcelona in Montjuic (1-0). Los Pepineros scored in the fourth minute and set up the fortifications for the remainder of the game. Although Barcelona were expected to break through due to the difference in player quality, Hansi Flick’s side never found the equalizer.
𝕎𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘…😍#LaLigaHighlights #Dmitrović pic.twitter.com/gPCrN5scmN
— C.D. Leganés 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@CDLeganes_en) December 18, 2024
Robert Lewandowski came close after connecting with a pass from Pedri, but goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović blocked the shot. Barcelona kept shooting, but the Serb seemed to control them all. Léganes had never previously won against the Catalans in Barcelona. It was a historic night.
These three points matter. It was the team’s only win in December, just before they welcomed Villarreal on Sunday.
Villarreal
While Léganes are joyful after defeating Barcelona 1-0, the mood at Villarreal couldn’t be more different. The Yellow Submarine has been sinking in the last weeks, winless in six matches.
Marcelino seemed to lead the team well at the beginning of the season, aiming for the top four. They currently sit in 5th place, six points behind fourth-placed Athletic Club, but with one match in hand.
𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐎: “We need to get three points and change the negative dynamic of our recent results”
— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) December 17, 2024
Before facing Léganes, Villarreal’s game against Rayo Vallecano on December 18 resulted in a 1-1 draw. If the Yellow Submarine wants to stay in the race for the fourth place, they have to secure a win against Léganes.
Only three days separate the two games, which means Marcelino will have to rotate to avoid a mental burnout in the team before Christmas. More importantly, Villarreal’s 2-1 defeat to Real Betis exposed the team’s defensive shortcomings once more, which is starting to become a crisis.
Bet hereLéganes vs Villarreal Prediction
- Prediction: Draw
- Odds: 3.58 (22Bet)
- Score Prediction: Léganes 0-0 Villarreal
Léganes are no great attacking team but often exploit their opponents’ mistakes in transition. They struggle to take the initiative and regularly hold draws against teams who are unable to coordinate their attacks in the final third.
Considering Villarreal’s form and the fact that the game will take place at the Butarque, a draw wouldn’t be surprising.
Léganes vs Villarreal Betting Tip
- Pick: Neither team to score
- Odds: 1.963 (22Bet)
The game is scheduled two days before Christmas—the most important celebration of the year in Spanish households. Many players will be thinking about Christmas, which is why a great attacking game from either side would be surprising.
Léganes are pumped with joy after the 1-0 victory against Barcelona, and their fans will act as the 12th man at the Butarque. Furthermore, Villarreal’s lack of dominance in the penalty box makes the job easier for Los Pepineros. Villarreal will likely focus on defeating Rayo Vallecano at the Ceramica, which explains our betting tip.
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