Euphoria at La Cerámica as Villarreal mark third place and Champions League qualification | OneFootball

Villarreal ended 2025/26 in third, equalling 2004/05 as their joint second-best league finish. Their best remains second in 2007/08, and this secures Champions League football for a second straight season for the first time.

They thrashed Atlético Madrid 5-1 at La Cerámica before 18,682, with Ayoze Pérez, twice, Mikautadze, Pape Gueye and a Parejo penalty. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, 20,000 yellow flags and a fireworks finale framed farewells and tributes.

President Fernando Roig joined staff and players on the pitch. He called the feat difficult in a league of this level and praised the squad and Marcelino.

Marcelino was honoured with a tile on the Passeig Groc before kick-off. He ends his spell as Villarreal’s record coach with 298 games, 146 wins, 72 draws and 80 defeats across league, cup and Europe, and said the club would always stay with him.

Dani Parejo said goodbye after six seasons that brought the Europa League and a Champions League semi-final. He made 270 appearances, scored 16 with 36 assists, is in the club’s top 10 for games and has 558 LaLiga matches, fifth-most in the competition.

Academy product Alfonso Pedraza also departed, having joined at 15 and progressed through youth sides before loans to Lugo, Leeds, Alavés and Betis. He established himself in defence and leaves after 235 appearances, thanking the club and saying he would never forget its support.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo