Villarreal host Real Oviedo on Friday as the new 2025-26 La Liga campaign gets underway at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
Villarreal will be chasing a perfect start after a strong 2024-25 season that saw them finish fifth with 70 points (20 wins, 10 draws, eight defeats), earning a spot in the league phase of the Champions League. Balancing European and domestic commitments will be a fresh test this term, and the squad’s depth will be pushed as they push for both campign objectives.
Significant transfer activity this summer has seen Villarreal strengthen with five new arrivals, the headline name being Alberto Moleiro from Las Palmas. While Moleiro’s arrival adds flair and creativity, departures such as Alex Baena and Thierno Barry have trimmed some attacking quality from the squad, and more moves could come before the transfer window closes.
Real Oviedo, by contrast, arrive in La Liga for the first time in 24 years after sealing promotion via the Segunda Division playoffs. Veljko Paunovic’s side finished third in the regular season before overcoming Almeria and Mirandes to reach the top flight, making their return a special moment for the club and its supporters. Oviedo’s summer has been busy, bringing in seven new players and seeing eight depart, with Salomon Rondon joining on loan from Pachuca to lead the line. The 35-year-old returns to Spanish football for the first time since 2012. Also notable is Santi Cazorla, still going strong at 39, who contributed five goals and five assists in 35 appearances last season and is expected to be in the XI. Luka Ilic has joined from Red Star for around €2m and could make his Oviedo debut.
Pre-season form offers a snapshot of each side’s readiness: Villarreal have logged a sequence of results described as DDLDWL, while Oviedo have posted DWLD.
Team news and possible lineups:
– Villarreal: Conde; Foyth, Mourino, Martin, Pedraza; Pino, Comesana, Parejo, Moleiro; Pepe, Perez
– Real Oviedo: Aaron; Vidal, Luengo, Calvo, Rahim; Sibo, Cazorla; Chaira, Iliic, Domingues; Rondon
We say: Villarreal 2-0 Real Oviedo
Villarreal’s home advantage and their status as one of La Liga’s stronger outfits last season should give them the edge as Oviedo begin life back in the top flight. The promoted side will want to make a statement, but the step up to face a European-bound Villarreal will be a steep initial hurdle.
Key watch points
– How Oviedo’s veteran leadership, notably Rondon and Cazorla, settles into La Liga against a team used to Champions League action.
– Moleiro’s debut impact for Villarreal and whether he immediately adds an extra layer of creative threat.
– The fitness and squad depth impact of balancing European commitments for Villarreal as the season progresses.
Summary
Villarreal are positioned as the favorites to start the season with a win at home, while Real Oviedo take on their first La Liga test in 24 years and hope to stretch their legs in the top flight under Paunovic. The match should offer a blend of experience, flair and a hint of optimism for the newly promoted side, but the Yellow Submarine’s recent form and European momentum tip the balance in a home victory. Overall, Villarreal look set to begin the campaign confidently and push on from last season’s domestic excellence.