“We’ve got the quality to win here”: Villarreal buoyant after Dortmund | OneFootball

Can Villarreal FC turn things around? So far, the season has been rather underwhelming for Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League opponents. Even so, the Spaniards are targeting a win on Tuesday (8 September, 9 p.m.).

After two 2-2 draws away at Racing Santander and Atlético Madrid, the “Yellow Submarine” then suffered two defeats in La Liga. First, Villarreal lost 1-0 at Deportivo Alavés. They then went down 3-2 at home to Deportivo A Coruña. A meager two points leave them in 17th place.

Now, of all places, they are hoping to claim their first win of the season against BVB. Of all places, because in last season’s Champions League campaign Villarreal were thrashed 4-0 by the Black and Yellows. Midfielder Santi Comesaña recalled his team’s display at the press conference ahead of the clash with BVB: “Last year we were nervous. We want to put that behind us and approach this match with more composure.”

The 29-year-old, who was in the starting lineup in the defeat in November 2025, is convinced: “I think we’ve learned from our mistakes and need to approach the game with more calm.” Looking ahead to the match at Signal Iduna Park, Comesaña added: “I hope we put in a better performance than last year.”

“Take all three points”

Despite the scale of the task, Villarreal’s number 14 firmly believes in his team: “I said it last year and I’ll say it again here in Dortmund: I’m sure we have the quality to win here. Villarreal can win in any stadium in Europe against any opponent. I’m convinced of that.”

Photo: Getty Images

New in the “Yellow Submarine” dugout is Iñigo Pérez. The 38-year-old arrived this summer from Rayo Vallecano and replaced Marcelino (61), who had led the club to third place in La Liga. “I don’t want to lie, I’m hugely excited about my debut in this competition,” Pérez stressed. But he does not want to dwell too much on the special nature of the occasion. “My focus is on how to approach the game, play well and get a good result.”

“We’ve come here on the back of a negative run and want to turn things around,” announced the Villarreal coach. He wants to “win the game and take all three points,” Pérez declared, sending a clear message toward Dortmund.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.