Today’s match between Villarreal and Juventus once again draws the attention of the football community. The second group stage game of the 2025/26 Champions League season will take place at the Cerámica Stadium, where these opponents met in a memorable clash three years ago. Back then, the Spanish club not only held their own against the Italian giant but also achieved an impressive result.
In the 2021/22 season, the teams faced each other in the Round of 16 of the main European tournament. The first game in Spain started with a quick goal from Dušan Vlahović, who scored for the visitors in the opening minute. However, Villarreal kept their composure and managed to balance the play. In the second half, Dani Parejo converted Étienne Capoue’s assist to equalize, keeping the tie alive.
The return leg in Turin proved to be a real test for both teams. On March 16, 2022, at Allianz Stadium, Villarreal displayed maturity and confidence. The Italians were counting on a tactical battle, but the Spaniards managed to impose their game. The opening goal came in the 78th minute: Gerard Moreno, coming off the bench, confidently converted a penalty awarded for a foul on Francis Coquelin. This goal became the turning point of the match.
Just five minutes later, Pau Torres took advantage of confusion following a set piece and doubled the visitors’ lead. In stoppage time, Arnaut Danjuma sealed the victory, converting another penalty awarded after a foul by Matthijs de Ligt. The final score of 0-3 came as a real shock to the Turin fans and made history for the Villarreal club.
Under Unai Emery, the team showed great organization and an ability to control the flow of the match. The squad was prepared for various scenarios and played confidently both in defense and attack. The victory in Turin was the result of long and meticulous work by the coaching staff and players.
In that same season, Villarreal advanced further, knocking Bayern Munich out of the tournament. Only Liverpool, managed by Jürgen Klopp, was able to stop the Spanish side in the semifinals. These events strengthened the club’s reputation as one of the trickiest opponents for Europe’s giants.
Today’s match serves as another reminder of those bright moments when Villarreal managed to surprise European football. Fans of both teams are looking forward to a new thrilling encounter, and the history of past years adds even more intrigue to this fixture.
