Image Source: Getty Images
2025-26 Spanish La Liga
Matchday 23
Villarreal v Espanyol
Estadio de la Ceramica
Villarreal, Spain
Monday, 9 February 2026
Kick-off is at 22h00
Two teams looking to arrest their recent poor run of form in La Liga sees Villarreal welcome Espanyol to La Ceramica on Monday, February 9.
The Yellow Submarine enjoyed their best-ever start to a season in the Spanish top flight after collecting 35 points out of a possible 48 before the turn of the year.
Marcelino's side, who won 11 of their opening 16 matches, have endured a dip in fortunes in 2026, with a 2-2 draw against Osasuna on January 31 extending their winless streak to three games.
Villarreal have been knocked down to fourth place by Atletico Madrid, although they do have a game in hand on Los Colchoneros.
Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
The Parakeets put themselves in the Frame for UEFA Champions League contention after closing out 2025 with a five-match winning sequence.
But their top-four challenge has faltered in the new year, with Manolo Gonzalez's side failing to win any of their five outings last month.
A 2-1 reverse to Alaves on January 30 was their third consecutive defeat and the Catalans trail the Castellon outfit by eight points in sixth spot.
Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
Marcelino accepted the point against Los Rojillos as a fair outcome, but wasn't happy at conceding so quickly after Gerard Moreno had opened the scoring from the penalty spot on 17 minutes.
"Osasuna had won the vast majority of their matches at El Sadar," he said. "We took the lead, but it didn't last long. This isn't the first time it's happened to us. And from then on, we had to fight back.
"We controlled the entire first half, but lacked a finishing touch. Everything seemed to be going against us with [Ante] Budimir's goal, but then we reacted and earned a point, which wasn't easy.
"A draw is the fairest result. We're satisfied with the point after being down 2-1."
Head-to-Head (Last Five La Liga Meetings)
Matches - 5
Villarreal wins - 5
Espanyol wins - 0
Draws - 0
La Liga Matchday 23 fixtures:
Friday, February 6
22h00: Celta Vigo v Osasuna
Saturday, February 7
15h00: Rayo Vallecano v Real Oviedo
17h15: Barcelona v Real Mallorca
19h30: Sevilla v Girona
22h00: Real Sociedad v Elche
Sunday, February 8
15h00: Alaves v Getafe
17h15: Athletic Bilbao v Levante
19h30: Atletico Madrid v Real Betis
22h00: Valencia v Real Madrid
Monday, February 9
22h00: Villarreal v Espanyol
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