Roig at the fore, El Sardinero sell-out and Iñigo’s first calls for Villarreal | OneFootball

Villarreal’s 2026/27 league bow at El Sardinero brought a sold-out crowd, a strong club presence and Iñigo Pérez’s first selection calls on the touchline.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, president Fernando Roig led the travelling delegation, joined by CEO Fernando Roig Negueroles, club ambassador Marcos Senna and director of football Miguel Ángel Tena. Board members Miguel Pérez, Manuel Montaña and Luis Espejo were also in attendance.

Racing de Santander marked their return to Primera División after 14 years and all 22,514 seats were taken. About 350 Villarreal supporters filled the away section.

Alassane Diatta was the only first-team absentee, serving a two-match ban stemming from his sending off with Villarreal B during the promotion phase to Segunda División. His place in the travelling squad went to compatriot Cheikh Thiam.

For his debut, Pérez chose Luiz Júnior in goal ahead of Péter Gulácsi, with Carlos Romero starting over Sergi Cardona at left-back. Santi Comesaña partnered Pape Gueye in the double pivot, and Ayoze Pérez supported George Mikautadze. Elsewhere, Juan Foyth lined up with Renato Veiga at centre-back, Mouriño was at right-back, and Alberto Moleiro and Nico Pepe operated out wide.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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