Historically, Manchester City holds the edge (two wins from two meetings), but these stats date back to 2011. The current reality shows Villarreal as a highly organized and resilient team at home.

English club Manchester City will face a tough challenge against Spain’s Villarreal on Tuesday evening at “La Cerámica” stadium, in a Group Stage match of the UEFA Champions League.

A historic venue for City The match carries a historic significance for Manchester City, returning to the stadium where they recorded their first-ever European away win, when Ivorian star Yaya Touré led them to a 3-0 victory in November 2011. Fourteen years later, the Citizens hope to replicate that success in just the third official encounter between the two clubs.

Villarreal’s strength: La Cerámica fortress Under experienced coach Marcelino García Toral, Villarreal enters the game with mixed emotions. In La Liga, the team has been strong, currently sitting third, showcasing their domestic prowess. However, they come off two consecutive setbacks: a 3-1 loss to Real Madrid before the international break and a disappointing 2-2 home draw against Real Betis over the weekend.

In Europe, Villarreal is still seeking their breakthrough. After a surprising opening loss to Tottenham, they secured their first point last round thanks to a late Renato Veiga goal against Juventus (2-2).

Villarreal relies heavily on their home advantage. The team has yet to lose at La Cerámica this season across all competitions and has suffered only one defeat in their last ten European home matches, making them a formidable opponent in front of their fans.

Match details

• Villarreal (ESP) vs Manchester City (ENG)
• Stadium: La Cerámica, Villarreal
• Time: 22:00 Mecca/Amman time
• Referee: Serdar Gozubuyuk (Netherlands)
• VAR: Rob Dieperink (Netherlands)

Manchester City: offensive firepower to compensate for Rodri’s absence Pep Guardiola’s squad continues to show strong form. City secured an important 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday, climbing to second place in the Premier League.

In the Champions League, despite Erling Haaland’s three goals, the team drew 2-2 with Monaco in the previous round and aims to recover those lost points in Spain.

The biggest challenge for Guardiola is the continued absence of the team’s key midfield anchor, Spanish international Rodri. Nico González is expected to start in the pivot, with Matteo Kovacic possibly making his first start of the season to add experience.

Omar Marmoush and Ryan Ait Nouri traveled with the squad, and Guardiola may rotate the lineup by reinstating John Stones and Josko Gvardiol, who missed the Everton game, alongside Ryan Cherki.

Team news and expected lineups

• Villarreal (4-4-2): Marcelino faces defensive headaches due to injuries. Juan Foyth, Willy Cabral, and Logan Costa are unavailable. Renato Veiga, who scored the equalizer against Juventus, will take on central defensive responsibilities. George Mikautadze returns to the starting XI after missing the last match.

Expected lineup: Tenas; Moreno, Marin, Veiga, Cardona; Buchanan, Gueye, Parejo, Comesaña; Nicola Pepe, Mikautadze

• Manchester City (4-1-4-1): With Rodri out, focus shifts to Nico González in midfield. Offensive power remains strong with Haaland, supported by Savinho, Foden, Cherki, and Doku.

Expected lineup: Donnarumma; Luis, Stones, Gvardiol, Aurier; Nico; Savinho, Foden, Cherki, Doku, Haaland

Expectations Historically, City has the advantage (two wins from two meetings), but that was back in 2011. Villarreal today is highly organized and tough at home.

The key will be Villarreal’s backup defenders holding firm against Erling Haaland’s scoring machine. Nevertheless, Marcelino’s team resilience and the group-stage stakes may lead to a tight tactical draw.