Villarreal on brink of Champions League return as Levante fight for survival

Key facts

• Villarreal are third in La Liga with 33 matches played.
• Levante are 19th, two points from safety and three points from 16th place.
• Villarreal have the fourth-best home record in La Liga, with 40 points from 16 matches.
• Levante have lost nine of their 16 away games this season.
• Villarreal have won four of their last seven league matches, with one defeat.
• Levante have taken seven points from their last three matches.
• Villarreal defeated Celta Vigo 2-1 in their last outing.
• Levante drew 0-0 with Espanyol in their most recent match.

Top-four finish virtually secured for Villarreal

Villarreal are on the verge of securing a top-four finish in La Liga, sitting third in the table with 33 matches played. The Yellow Submarine hold a 15-point advantage over fifth-placed Real Betis, with only five games left in the season. A top-four spot could be mathematically confirmed this weekend, though an extraordinary collapse would be required for them to miss out.

Levante's relegation battle reaches critical juncture

Levante travel to the Estadio de la Ceramica on Saturday desperately needing points to escape the relegation zone. The Frogs are 19th, two points behind 17th-placed Mallorca and three adrift of Alaves in 16th. Despite their lowly position, Luis Castro's side have lost only one of their last eight matches, a 4-0 defeat at Real Sociedad on April 4.

Recent form and head-to-head record

Villarreal enter the match after a 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo, extending their strong run of four wins in seven league games. Levante, meanwhile, played out a goalless draw with Espanyol last time out, adding to a run that has yielded seven points from their last three matches. However, history favours the hosts: Levante have won only nine of their 35 previous meetings with Villarreal in all competitions, and they lost the reverse fixture 1-0 earlier this season.

Injury concerns for both sides

Villarreal will be without defenders Juan Foyth and Pau Cabanes due to injury. Santiago Mourino is a major doubt for the clash. Levante have no fresh injury concerns reported, but the visitors will need to overcome a significant away disadvantage: they have lost nine of their 16 league matches on the road this season.

Champions League disappointment fuels Villarreal's ambition

Villarreal's domestic success contrasts with their European campaign, where they managed just one point from eight Champions League league-stage fixtures. A top-four finish would secure a return to the competition in 2026-27, offering the club a chance to improve on their continental performance. Marcelino's side have already demonstrated their quality at home, boasting the fourth-best home record in La Liga with 40 points from 16 matches.

Levante's survival hopes hinge on away form

Levante's relegation fight faces a stern test against one of the division's strongest sides. The Frogs, who won the Segunda Division last season, have struggled on their travels, losing nine of 16 away games. However, their recent resilience — just one defeat in eight matches — suggests they are capable of springing a surprise. A win would lift them out of the bottom three, while a defeat could leave them cut adrift with only four games remaining.

The bottom line

• Villarreal are virtually assured of a top-four finish and Champions League qualification for 2026-27.
• Levante are two points from safety and face a must-win match against a top-three side.
• Villarreal have a strong home record, while Levante have struggled away from home.
• The reverse fixture ended 1-0 in Villarreal's favour, and Levante have historically struggled against them.
• Villarreal's Champions League performance was poor, but domestic success offers redemption.
• Levante's recent form has been encouraging, but they need points quickly to avoid relegation.