Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
2025-26 Spanish La Liga
Matchday 2
Villarreal v Girona
Estadio de la Ceramica
Villarreal, Spain
Sunday, 24 August 2025
Kick-off is at 17h30
Villarreal will be targeting back-to-back wins at the start of the
La Liga season for the first time since 2022-23 when they host Girona at LaCeramica on Sunday, August 24.
The Yellow Submarine kicked off the new campaign with a 2-0 home victory over Real Oviedo on August 15 which was their first win on the opening weekend in three years.
Marcelino's side were beaten 2-1 by Real Betis on 13 August 2023 and they drew 2-2 with Atletico Madrid on 19 August 2024.
The Castellon outfit managed to go undefeated in their first six matches last term before going on to finish fifth as they secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
They collected four points against the White and Reds, having ran out narrow 1-0 victors in the away fixture on May 10 following a 2-2 draw at home on December 1.
Girona were no match for Rayo Vallecano in their first outing of 2025-26, losing Paulo Gazzaniga to a red card on 43 minutes as they eventually crashed to a 3-1 defeat on August 15.
Michel's side had avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth last season after losing their final two games but still finished one point clear of Leganes in 16th place.
Michel believes the key to their survival this term hinges on their home form and wants to turn Montilivi into a fortress with the help of their supporters.
"I always say that we need our fans a lot. We want them to always be proud of us and to feel well represented. This year Montilivi has to be a fortress," the Spaniard said.
Marcelino made history against Los Azules as he eclipsed Manuel Pellegrini as the manager with the most wins (124) at the club.
"Hopefully we can continue this good run and build on this result. It shows that we have been working really well throughout a month of pre-season, which is why winning is so positive," the Spaniard said.
"We were aware of the record and I spoke to the players about it. We are very happy to enter history by winning for the first time in a home debut."
Head-to-Head (Last Five La Liga Meetings)
Matches - 5
Villarreal wins - 3
Girona wins - 1
Draws - 1
La Liga Matchday 2 fixtures:
Friday, August 22
19h30: Real Betis v Alaves
Saturday, August 23
15h00: Real Mallorca v Celta Vigo
17h30: Atletico Madrid v Elche
19h30: Levante v Barcelona
Sunday, August 24
15h00: Osasuna v Valencia
17h30: Real Sociedad v Espanyol
17h30: Villarreal v Girona
19h30: Real Oviedo v Real Madrid
Monday, August 25
17h30: Athletic Bilbao v Rayo Vallecano
19h30: Sevilla v Getafe
Bet on La Liga with Betway
Sign up at Betway and enjoy solid action and heart-racing thrills when you bet on soccer leagues such as the English Premier League, the Italian Serie A, the Spanish La Liga and many more.
Join our Telegram Channel
Get way more with Betway. Enjoy the thrill of sports betting, casino games, and more. Join our community for tips, bonuses, and exciting offers. #BetwaySquad
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions, follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube. Download the Betway App.