Verdict: Total home goals over 1.5
Best odds: 10/17
Bookmaker: BetUS
Villarreal will look to open their 2025/26 La Liga campaign in style when they host newly-promoted Real Oviedo at Estadio de la Ceramica on Friday night.
Last season, the Yellow Submarine claimed fifth place in La Liga, earning a spot in the league stage of the Champions League, while Real Oviedo secured their return to the top flight via the Segunda Division playoffs.
Villarreal
Villarreal enjoyed a strong 2024-25 campaign, winning 20, drawing 10, and losing eight of their 38 matches to finish fifth in La Liga on 70 points, level with fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao.
Their qualification for the Champions League league phase will present new challenges in balancing European and domestic duties, and questions remain over whether their squad has the depth to cope with the demands.
Marcelino̢۪s side have brought in five new players this summer, with Alberto Moleiro the most expensive arrival following his move from Las Palmas. However, the departures of Alex Baena and Thierno Barry have taken some quality out of the squad, and further signings before the transfer deadline would not be a surprise.
Villarreal last faced Real Oviedo in 2001, winning 3-1, and Oviedo have managed just one victory in eight competitive meetings between the sides.
Team News
For Friday̢۪s opener, Villarreal are without centre-backs Logan Costa and Willy Kambwala, meaning Santiago Mourino should make his debut in defence.
Moleiro is also expected to start, while Ayoze Perez â€" coming off a 19-goal La Liga season â€" will lead the attack. The midfield pairing is set to feature Santi Comesana alongside Dani Parejo in what should be a largely familiar starting XI.
Real Oviedo
Real Oviedo̢۪s only victory over Villarreal came in 1971 on home soil, meaning the newly promoted side will be seeking their first away win against the Yellow Submarine on Friday night.
Back in La Liga for the first time in 24 years, this season will be a landmark campaign for Veljko Paunovic̢۪s team, who secured promotion through the 2024/25 Segunda Division playoffs.
After finishing third in the league, Oviedo overcame Almeria and Mirandes to return to the top flight, though their opening fixture presents a daunting challenge.
The club has been busy in the summer transfer market, adding seven new players while seeing eight depart.
Team News
The most high-profile arrival is Salomon Rondon, on loan from Pachuca; the experienced striker is set to lead the line. The 35-year-old, who previously played in Spain for Las Palmas and Malaga, will make his first La Liga appearance since 2012.
Club icon Santi Cazorla, still influential at 39 after contributing five goals and five assists last season, is expected to start as well, while Luka Ilic is in line for his debut following a €2m move from Red Star Belgrade.
Conclusion
The step up from the Segunda Division to La Liga will be a major challenge for Real Oviedo, and though their lot for the opening match could’ve been tougher, it will be quite a task nonetheless.
Villarreal were among the league̢۪s strongest performers last season, combining consistency with attacking quality, and they will be confident of asserting control at Estadio de la Ceramica.
While Oviedo will be eager to mark their return with a positive result, the Yellow Submarine̢۪s experience and quality across the pitch should see them start the new campaign with a comfortable home victory.
Verdict: Total home goals over 1.5
Best odds: 10/17
Bookmaker: BetUS