Villarreal’s pride on the line, nine reasons to win in Leverkusen | OneFootball

Villarreal want a win for pride and prestige. In the new Champions League league phase of 36 teams and eight matches, leaving winless would be embarrassing.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Marcelino García Toral’s side, now without pressure, visit Bayer Leverkusen at the BayArena on Wednesday at 21.00 with a clear aim, to win.

One motive is to avoid finishing without a single victory. Otherwise it would be only the second time after 2010/11, when only six were played and they lost all six.

Winning in Germany would, barring an unexpected catastrophe, prevent a last-place finish in a table of 36.

There is money at stake, €2.1 million for a win, on top of the €700,000 already earned for drawing at home with Juventus.

Three points would also feed the UEFA ranking and support Spain’s push for an extra Champions League place.

It would stop a run of three defeats, against Betis, Ajax and Madrid.

It also offers a chance to end Leverkusen’s home streak against Spanish clubs since 2012. Barcelona last won there 1-3 in the 2011-12 last 16 first leg, followed by 3 wins and 2 draws for the hosts.

Villarreal know the ground too, they won 2-3 at the BayArena on 10 March 2011 in the Europa League last 16 first leg.

The team accepts this Champions League has fallen short after a heavy summer spend. The message is simple, win for pride.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo