- Date and Time: Monday, March 3, 2025, 21:00 GMT+1
- Venue: Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal, Spain
| Odds via 22bet | |
| Villarreal vs Espanyol | Monday, March 3, 2025, 21:00 GMT+1 |
| Villarreal odds | 1.43 |
| Espanyol odds | 6.75 |
| Draw | 4.86 |
| Over\Under | Total 2.5: 1.69/2.16 |
| Betting Bonus | Up to 122 $/€ |
Villarreal vs Espanyol Preview and Team News
Villarreal Team News
Villarreal sit in 5th place, four points away from Champions League qualification. They solidified their position with a win over Rayo Vallecano in 6th last weekend. The match was full of refereeing controversies, highlighted by the debatable sending-off of Rayo Vallecano’s Jorge De Frutos.
The team have only suffered one defeat in their last nine games, a 1-0 loss against Real Sociedad. A lack of consistency is the main obstacle to Villarreal’s Champions League qualification hopes, drawing against Atlético and Valencia.
| Date | Competition | Home Team | Score | Away Team |
| 22/02/2025 | La Liga | Rayo Vallecano | 0-1 | Villarreal CF |
| 15/02/2025 | La Liga | Villarreal CF | 1-1 | Valencia CF |
| 08/02/2025 | La Liga | UD Las Palmas | 1-2 | Villarreal CF |
| 01/02/2025 | La Liga | Villarreal CF | 5-1 | Real Valladolid CF |
| 25/01/2025 | La Liga | Atlético de Madrid | 1-1 | Villarreal CF |
| 20/01/2025 | La Liga | Villarreal CF | 4-0 | RCD Mallorca |
However, the rapid adaptation of defender Willy Kambwala could be key in the second part of the season, as the hosts have long struggled defensively. Instead, they rely on the excess of talent up front, with the likes of Yeremy Pino, Alejandro Baena, and Ayoze Pérez.
Gerard Moreno, Ilias Akhomach, and Kiko will be sidelined with injuries.
Villarreal predicted line-up vs Espanyol (4-4-2): Conde; Cardona, Costa, Kambwala, Foyth; Baena, Gueye, Comesaña, Pino; Barry, Pérez.
Espanyol Team News
Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia has made a name for himself this season thanks to his exceptional shot-stopping skills. He’s one of the major reasons his squad may avoid relegation, but other teams have started noticing him.
Derby rival Barcelona is reportedly monitoring him, in the knowledge that triggering his release clause is set at approximately €30-35 million to complete the transfer. Head coach Manolo González called him ‘The Messi or Ronaldo of Espanyol’.
Ladies And Gentlemen, Joan Garcia pic.twitter.com/4F94vMcZBW
— 𝐗𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 🧠 (@_Xaviology) February 27, 2025
Fans have sparked controversy as several players have complained about racist remarks targeted at opponents, including Athletic Club’s Iñaki Williams and Maroan. In the latest episode, Espanyol B player Omar Sadik was also subjected to racist insults. Management reacted quickly by issuing a statement condemning the acts, mentioning there is ‘zero tolerance’ of such behaviour in their stadium.
The visitors climbed to 15th place, easing their relegation concerns for now. Substitute Fernando Calero scored the only goal, securing a victory against Deportivo Alavés. The triumph was necessary against a direct competitor, a week after holding Athletic Club to a draw (1-1).
Here are RCD Espanyol’s last six results across all competitions as of February 28, 2025:
| Date | Competition | Home Team | Score | Away Team |
| 22/02/2025 | La Liga | Deportivo Alavés | 0-1 | RCD Espanyol |
| 16/02/2025 | La Liga | RCD Espanyol | 1-1 | Athletic Club |
| 09/02/2025 | La Liga | Real Sociedad | 2-1 | RCD Espanyol |
| 01/02/2025 | La Liga | RCD Espanyol | 1-0 | Real Madrid |
| 29/01/2025 | Copa del Rey | Sabadell | 0-1 | RCD Espanyol |
| 25/01/2025 | La Liga | Sevilla FC | 1-1 | RCD Espanyol |
Fernando Pacheco, José Gragera, and Pablo Ramón remain sidelined through injury.
Espanyol predicted line-up vs Villarreal (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia, Romero, Cabrera, Kumbulla, El-Hilali, Urko González, Pol Lozano, Javi Puado, Král, Carreras, Fernández.
Bet hereVillarreal vs Espanyol Prediction
- Prediction: Villarreal to win
- Odds: 1.43 (22Bet)
- Score Prediction: Villarreal 2-0 Espanyol
Espanyol have been comfortable against teams with weak defences, taking advantage of an excellent shot-stopping goalkeeper frustrating the best attackers. Against sides lacking intensity in possession, a deep block has sufficed to secure a draw or a victory.
However, the task will be more difficult against Villarreal. Their home advantage at Céramica cannot be overlooked, especially given that Alex Baena is in form.
Álex Baena – La Liga 24/25:
☑️23 games
⚽️6 goals
🅰️7 assists
📊5.54 xG
📈9.24 xA
🔑3.5 key passes per 90
🎯14 big chances createdSuch a brilliant player. 🟡 pic.twitter.com/zeyDZ9ATjB
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) February 25, 2025
The attacker has been one of the best creative leaders in the league. His technical ability enables him to create chances for Barry and, previously, Gerard Moreno in the box.
Although the latter is injured, the hosts are expected to run the show, with Espanyol happy to concede possession. However, Villarreal are among the teams capable of playing with high pressure until the last minute. As Javi Puado remains the primary source of threat, the guests are unlikely to take a victory.
Villarreal vs Espanyol Betting Tip
- Pick: Alejandro Baena to score
- Odds: 3.1 (22Bet)
Although Espanyol insist on compactness through the central channels, they often leave the wings empty. Villarreal’s most crucial chance creator starts out from wide, which would indicate they’ll look to attack from his side.
Even if he fails to score, his creative numbers speak for themselves. Barry could be among the targeted players in the box. In addition to him, Espanyol will have to defend against Ayoze Pérez in the box.
Make sure to bet on Villarreal vs Espanyol with our 22Bet Sportsbook!
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
| 1 | FC Barcelona | 25 | 17 | 3 | 5 | 67 | 25 | +42 | 54 |
| 2 | Real Madrid | 25 | 16 | 6 | 3 | 54 | 23 | +31 | 54 |
| 3 | Atlético de Madrid | 25 | 15 | 8 | 2 | 42 | 16 | +26 | 53 |
| 4 | Athletic Club | 25 | 13 | 9 | 3 | 44 | 22 | +22 | 48 |
| 5 | Villarreal CF | 25 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 48 | 35 | +13 | 44 |
| 6 | Rayo Vallecano | 25 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 27 | 26 | +1 | 35 |
| 7 | Real Betis | 25 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 32 | 32 | 0 | 35 |
| 8 | RCD Mallorca | 25 | 10 | 5 | 10 | 24 | 31 | -7 | 35 |
| 9 | Real Sociedad | 25 | 10 | 4 | 11 | 23 | 23 | 0 | 34 |
| 10 | RC Celta | 25 | 9 | 5 | 11 | 36 | 38 | -2 | 32 |
| 11 | Sevilla FC | 25 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 30 | 35 | -5 | 32 |
| 12 | CA Osasuna | 25 | 7 | 11 | 7 | 29 | 34 | -5 | 32 |
| 13 | Girona FC | 25 | 9 | 4 | 12 | 32 | 37 | -5 | 31 |
| 14 | Getafe CF | 25 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 21 | 20 | +1 | 30 |
| 15 | RCD Espanyol | 25 | 7 | 6 | 12 | 24 | 36 | -12 | 27 |
| 16 | CD Leganés | 25 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 22 | 38 | -16 | 24 |
| 17 | UD Las Palmas | 25 | 6 | 5 | 14 | 29 | 43 | -14 | 23 |
| 18 | Valencia CF | 25 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 25 | 41 | -16 | 23 |
| 19 | Deportivo Alavés | 25 | 5 | 7 | 13 | 28 | 39 | -11 | 22 |
| 20 | Real Valladolid CF | 25 | 4 | 3 | 18 | 16 | 59 | -43 | 15 |
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