Villarreal CF plays its first home league match of the season this Sunday, hosting Levante UD at the Estadio de la Cerámica. The match, which starts at 18:30, presents an opportunity for the 'Submarine' to secure its first win of the season after last week's draw against Málaga. The 'granota' team, on the other hand, arrives at the fixture without having played any midweek games, as their previous match was suspended due to heavy rains.
The encounter has already begun, with the referee's initial whistle. Before that, players from both teams took to the field while Villarreal's anthem played. The 'Submarine's' technical staff, led by Iñigo Pérez, gave the players their final instructions before the match started.
This derby takes place before the international break, and the call-ups have already been announced. Villarreal will have up to 12 international players. Additionally, it is recalled that last season's match at La Cerámica ended in a resounding yellow victory and mathematical qualification for the Champions League.
At the start of the match, a dangerous play by Villarreal nearly resulted in a goal. Ilias Akhomach reached the byline and delivered a cross that Ayoze headed. Just as the ball was about to beat goalkeeper Ryan, defender Aissa Mandi cleared the ball off the line.
The reunion of Thiago Fernández, an Argentine player on loan to Levante, with his former teammates was also highlighted.
