The fallout for Villarreal from the horrible night in Leverkusen | OneFootball

Villarreal end January under pressure after a night in Leverkusen, out of the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. El Periódico Mediterráneo reports they are still fourth but travel to Pamplona on Saturday amid a clear slump.

They have lost four straight, a first since Marcelino García returned in November 2023. December began with a shootout escape at Atlético Antoniano and a 2-0 over Getafe, then two wins and seven defeats from nine.

Europe has been bruising, six straight Champions League defeats and no away goals. The BayArena no-show intensified focus on individuals, Thomas Partey, plus Nicolas Pepe and, to a lesser extent, Arnau Tenas.

Until December they often reset between Europe and LaLiga, for example beating Osasuna after Tottenham’s 1-0 and responding away after losses to Manchester City, Pafos and Borussia Dortmund. After Copenhagen confirmed elimination, Levante away was postponed, then came a cup exit in Santander and a 0-2 against Barcelona to end 2025, followed by another dip against Madrid after Ajax last week.

Rafa Marín said the Champions League has been a disappointment the players cannot explain, admitted they never neared their best after the 3-0, urged focus on LaLiga and stressed people in Villarreal and the club do not deserve this and that they were neither the best before nor the worst now.

They are perfect from 12 against teams eighth and below but have five from 24 against the top sides. Win at the Ciutat de València and they would hit 44 at halfway.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo