Villarreal 25/26 review, superb league as Champions League and Copa disappoint | OneFootball

Villarreal delivered a season of contrasts, finishing third in La Liga ahead of Atlético Madrid to seal a Champions League return, while underwhelming in both the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the club looks to the future with optimism after Marcelino’s exit, as Iñigo Pérez could claim his first title with Rayo Vallecano in Wednesday’s Conference final.

In the league they posted 72 points, the second highest in their history, only behind 2007/08’s 77. Their 72 goals were a club record in the top flight, 10 more than Atlético and five behind Real Madrid.

In the Champions League they managed one point from eight matches, a draw with Juventus, and suffered seven defeats. The 1-0 in Pafos summed up a campaign to forget. Competing better in the Champions League is a clear target next season.

The Copa hoodoo continued with a 2-1 exit at Racing Santander in the round of 32. Their ceiling remains the 2014/15 semi-finals under Marcelino, when the MSN gave no chance.

Big summer spending largely paid off. Mikautadze needed time but finished top scorer on 13. Moleiro produced 10 goals and 5 assists, while Mourinho and Veiga lifted the defensive level and can improve further.

Gerard Moreno enjoyed a healthier second half of the campaign and ended the league with 10 goals. Pau Navarro established himself in the first team, underlining the academy’s readiness.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo