Match Overview
The La Liga Matchday 1 fixture between Villarreal and Real Oviedo will take place on August 15 at the Estadio de la Cerámica. This detailed preview offers predictions, odds, and statistics for the Villarreal vs Real Oviedo match.
Villarreal Team Analysis
For nine years now, the Valencians have been unable to secure a top-four finish in La Liga. Last season, the team settled for fifth place in the league table, missing out on fourth-placed Athletic only on tie-breakers. However, due to Spain and England each receiving an additional Champions League spot, Villarreal will participate in the main stage of this European competition in the autumn. It’s worth noting that the club secured fifth place thanks to a six-match winning streak at the end of the championship. Furthermore, Villarreal averaged 1.87 goals per match in the last La Liga season, which was the third-best attacking record among all La Liga clubs.
This summer, forwards Álex Baena and Thierno Barry left the club. Notable acquisitions include forward Alberto Moleiro and midfielder Tajon Buchanan.
Villarreal Statistics
- At least three goals were scored in 7 of the last 9 league games involving the Valencians.
- Villarreal suffered only 1 defeat in their previous 11 La Liga matches (8 wins and 2 draws).
- The team has a 6-match unbeaten streak at home in La Liga (4 wins and 2 draws).
Villarreal Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)
Luís Júnior – Sergi Cardona, Pau Navarro, Logan Costa, Juan Foyth – Daniel Parejo, Yeremy Pino, Santi Comesaña, Alberto Moleiro – Ayose Pérez, Nicolas Pepe.
Real Oviedo Team Analysis
The Asturians return to La Liga after a 24-year absence. This achievement was largely thanks to the appointment of Veljko Paunović as head coach at the end of March. Under his guidance, the team played 14 matches in Segunda and the playoffs, securing 9 wins and 4 draws, with only 1 defeat. The club finished third in the regular season, then progressed through the playoffs by defeating Almería (2:1 and 1:1) and Mirandés (0:1 and 3:1).
During the offseason, the club loaned striker Salomón Rondón from Pachuca.
Real Oviedo Statistics
- No more than 3 goals were scored in the club’s last 8 Segunda matches.
- Real Oviedo conceded in their previous 5 matches in the second-tier Spanish division.
- The team failed to win in 7 of their last 9 away matches in Segunda (4 draws and 3 defeats).
Real Oviedo Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)
Aarno Escandell – Rahim Alhassane, David Costas, Oier Luengo, Nacho Vidal – Dani Calvo, Santiago Colombatto, Kwasi Sibo, Jessem Hassan – Ilias Chaira, Daniel Paraschiv.
Referee Details
Alejandro Muñoz (Spain)
Matches officiated – 20 (La Liga, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 76;
Avg. yellow cards per match – 3.8;
Red cards shown – 6;
Avg. fouls per match – 25;
Penalties awarded – 25%.
Match Prediction: Villarreal vs Real Oviedo
Last season, Villarreal’s matches were the second highest-scoring after Barcelona’s, with an average of 3.2 goals per game. Marcelino García’s side was not only strong in attack but also conceded many goals. Most likely, the team will continue to impress with their scoring in the new championship.
Villarreal’s home matches were particularly entertaining, with an average of 3.7 goals scored. I expect the Valencians to score at least two goals in Matchday 1 as well. The team prefers to play attacking football and aims to score early. However, Villarreal players sometimes get carried away and concede counter-attacks, so Real Oviedo might also find the net. Incidentally, the Asturians did not leave the field without scoring in 9 of their previous 10 Segunda matches.
My prediction is “Total Over 2.5” with odds of 1.85
Mark Thompson