25/26 Review: Villarreal’s historic season creates a platform for future success
By Rahul Lakhani
It was Villarreal’s most chaotic season in a while, as they came into the spotlight with their return to the Champions League.
An ambitious summer window in which several key players needed to be replaced laid the foundations for what would end up being their best league campaign in 17 years.
A first third-placed finish since 2009, a strong home record, and some outstanding results meant that the legendary Marcelino departs with his Villarreal legacy stronger than ever.
But it was far from perfect.
Villarrreal’s Champions League disaster is well documented: eight games, seven defeats, 0 wins, 35th in a 36-team table.
Being thoroughly outclassed by Segunda Division champions Real Racing Santander did little to help in a rough winter period.
Nevertheless, in April, the main objective was achieved: to qualify for the Champions League again. And in May, the icing on the cake arrived as a 5-1 thrashing of Atletico Madrid confirmed that Villarreal would finish above Diego Simeone for the first ever time.
It was meant to be a transitional season. After losing Alex Baena, Yeremy Pino and Thierno Barry, many could have forgiven Villarreal if they ended up dropping out of the top five.
In LaLiga, despite losing home and away to ‘the big two,’ they were formidable, and quite easily the best of the rest.
Whilst Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano did go a lot further in Europe, Villarreal reached new heights domestically. 72 goals is their best ever return in a LaLiga campaign, just five behind Real Madrid.
Summer signings Georges Mikautadze and Alberto Moleiro took time to settle, with initial questions over both, but by the end of the campaign, it became clear that the pair can form one of the deadliest attacks in LaLiga next season.
Marcelino has departed despite the third-place finish, with the Villarreal legend failing to agree on a new contract with the club.
Replacing him is Inigo Perez, fresh from taking Rayo Vallecano to the Conference League final against all odds.
There is a feeling that the club want to see more attacking football, with more usage of the academy, which was neglected at times under Marcelino.
Despite some criticism of his tactics, which were seen as too negative, as well as the poor Champions League run, this was one of Marcelino’s finest league seasons to date, and it has set Villarreal up well for the summer.
Whilst Pape Gueye looks set to depart, with Dani Parejo also leaving, Villarreal may keep hold of their key players, and for the first time in their history, will be in the Champions League in two consecutive seasons.
Perez will arrive having turned Rayo into one of the most intense pressing sides in Europe, and he may be given the funds to reinforce the midfield, and possibly bring a new goalkeeper in.
Carlos Romero, Ilias Akhomach and Thiago Fernandez will return from their loans to bolster the squad, Juan Foyth and Logan Costa will return from long-term injuries, and last summer’s signings will be more settled.
The 2025-26 season saw Villarreal smash their league objectives and win every single Valencian Community derby fixture for the first time ever, whilst battling with several off-field issues.
On the pitch, they were the best counter-attacking side in Spain, but there were problems in some games where Villarreal sat too deep, and ultimately paid the price against tough opposition.
They are now primed and ready for a better Champions League campaign and to play more attack-minded football.
The 2026-27 season could bring even more joy to the Yellow Submarine, and should it result in any success, the foundations laid by Marcelino this year will be to thank.
