Villarreal vs Juventus Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Champions League 2025-26

This LaLiga team have a historical advantage in the matchups with the Old Lady.

Villarreal prepare to host Juventus at the Estadio de la Cerámica on 1 October 2025 (UTC) in a UEFA Champions League league phase tie that is very important for both teams. The Spanish club are still looking for their first point in this season after Tottenham defeated them 1-0 in their opening game. On the other hand, the Italian giants featured in a 4-4 draw against Borussia Dortmund in their opening game.

Juventus showed attacking fluency in that encounter, yet they did expose their defensive vulnerabilities. Now they are also worried about their injuries. Gleison Bremer and Khephren Thuram could miss this game.

FT | ⌛️ | A point apiece in Turin.🔋 @EASPORTSFC #JuveAtalanta pic.twitter.com/GIk0q0HQFB

— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) September 27, 2025

Meanwhile, Villarreal’s structure will demand a different tactical approach, especially as they aim to repeat the resilience that defined their famous 2021/22 Round of 16 success over Juve. They earned a 1-1 draw at home before winning 3-0 in Turin. As a result, anticipation grows for a meeting shaped by form, history, and fragile squad balance.

Kick-off:

• Location: Villarreal, Spain
• Stadium: Estadio de la Cerámica
• Date: Thursday, October 2
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 a.m. IST
• Referee: István Kovács
• VAR: In use

Form:

Villarreal (UCL 2025/26): L

Juventus (UCL 2025/26): D

Players to watch out for:

Nicolas Pépé (Villarreal):

Nicolas Pépé has quickly become a central figure for Villarreal this season, and his influence could shape their Champions League clash with Juve. With two goals and an assist across seven matches, along with steady shot accuracy, he provides both creativity and direct threat that the Old Lady must contain.

Manuel Locatelli (Juventus):

Manuel Locatelli stands out as a key figure for the Serie A giants ahead of their meeting with Villarreal. His composure in midfield gives balance to defensive stability and attacking transitions. With consistent passing accuracy and reliable tackling across seven matches, he continues to influence games even without headline statistics.

1⃣5⃣0⃣ appearances in ⚪️⚫️ across all competitions for Manuel Locatelli 👏 pic.twitter.com/kR5f2vCvBh

— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) December 8, 2024

Match Facts:

• Villarreal hold the upper hand in their limited head-to-head record against Juventus in the Champions League. In their only previous meeting in the 2021/22 Round of 16, Villarreal advanced after a 1-1 home draw and a 3-0 away win in Turin.
• In the current Champions League season, Juventus secured a 4-4 draw in their opening match, while Villarreal lost 1-0.
• Villarreal have a strong home record in Europe, losing only one of their last nine home matches (W6 D2).

Villarreal vs Juventus Betting Tips and Odds:

• Villarreal to win: 1.86 (1xBet)
• Both teams to score: 1.67 (Winmatch)
• Total goals over 2.5: 1.64 (Parimatch)

Note: Odds are subject to change.

Injuries and Team News:

Villarreal face several absences before this Champions League clash. Juan Foyth is out with a muscle problem, and Gerard Moreno remains sidelined with a hamstring issue until early October.

Meanwhile, Logan Costa and Pau Cabanes are long-term absentees after cruciate ligament injuries. Willy Kambwala and Ayoze Pérez are also unavailable with separate problems, leaving Unai Emery with fewer options in key areas.

For Juventus, Gleison Bremer and Khéphren Thuram face late fitness tests after recent knocks. Fabio Miretti misses out with a hamstring problem until the end of September.

Francisco Conceição’s status remains uncertain after being left out against Atalanta, while Arkadiusz Milik is out with an injury. These issues leave Max Allegri with selection concerns in both defence and attack.

Head-to-Head Stats:

Total matches: 3

Villarreal wins: 2

Juventus wins: 0

Draws: 1

Villarreal vs Juventus Predicted Starting Lineups:

Villarreal (4-4-2):

Luiz Júnior (GK); Adrià Altimira, Rafa Marín, Santiago Mouriño, Alfonso Pedraza; Thomas Partey, Pape Gueye, Alberto Moleiro, Renato Veiga; Nicolas Pépé, Georges Mikautadze.

Juventus (3-4-2-1):

Michele Di Gregorio (GK); Federico Gatti, Lloyd Kelly, Daniele Rugani; Andrea Cambiaso, Manuel Locatelli, Weston McKennie, Filip Kostić; Edon Zhegrova, Kenan Yıldız; Dušan Vlahović.

Match Prediction:

With Villarreal’s home advantage, their strong European record, and a positive head-to-head history against Juventus, they look set for a narrow victory. Both teams are expected to score.

Prediction: Villarreal 2-1 Juventus

Telecast Details:

India: SonyLIV, Sony Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports, BBC

US: Paramount+, TUDN

Nigeria: DAZN

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