Villarreal midfielder insists Barcelona will fall – ‘At some point they will lose and it will be today’ | OneFootball

Confidence is growing inside the Villarreal camp ahead of their upcoming league clash with Barcelona, and midfielder Santi Comesana has made it clear that the Yellow Submarine are not approaching the game with fear. 

Speaking to AS, Comesana delivered a calm but firm message that Villarreal believe this is their moment.

Asked whether Barcelona might be arriving at the right time for Villarreal, Comesana did not attempt to downplay his side’s ambition. 

He pointed to Villarreal’s league form and insisted that the team must back themselves against elite opponents. 

“We’re a good team, we’re proving that in the league, and we have to keep proving it against Barça. It’s better that they come now,” he began saying.

Importance of the match

The midfielder then widened the perspective, making it clear that reputation alone does not dictate outcomes. 

In his view, matches against the biggest clubs are always special, regardless of form or timing. 

“For Barça, Madrid, or Atletico Madrid, there are no good times or bad times. These games should always be very exciting.”

Santi Comesana is eager to face Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Comesana’s confidence was not limited to emotion or atmosphere. He believes Villarreal belong at this level and should not shy away from testing themselves against Europe’s giants. 

“We’re here, and we’re good enough to be here against the best teams in the world, such as Barça and Madrid.”

Against the stream

Notably, History does not favour Villarreal. Barcelona have not lost at Villarreal’s home ground in nearly two decades. When that statistic was put to Comesana, his response was direct. 

“If we haven’t won in 18 years, at some point that streak is going to end. 

“At some point, Barcelona is going to lose in Villarreal, and I think it will be this Sunday.”

Tactically, Comesana also feels the matchup could suit Villarreal. Barcelona are unlikely to sit deep, and that, according to the midfielder, plays into Villarreal’s strengths.

 Drawing from recent visits to Barcelona’s stadium, he concluded, 

“We’ve already shown that the last few times we went to play at Barça’s ground, that when they take the initiative, we feel more comfortable in those situations.”