Champions League 2025-2026: Tottenham-Villarreal, the likely lineups

After their triumph in the Europa League, Tottenham is aiming to confirm in the most prestigious competition as well. But Marcelino’s Villarreal has no intention of playing the part of the sacrificial victim. Spurs open their UEFA Champions League adventure with a delicate challenge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against the Yellow Submarine. The date is set for Tuesday, September 16 at 9 p.m.

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Tottenham comes to its European debut on the strength of its Europa League victory, won in the all-English derby with Manchester United. The continental success, however, has not erased the difficulties encountered in the Premier League, which is why the club has decided to hand the bench to Dane Thomas Frank, who took over from Ange Postecoglou.

The new coach has already had the opportunity to measure himself in the European Super Cup against PSG, a match lost only on penalties, and has shown flashes of growth in the league: convincing victories against Burnley and especially Manchester City, followed, however, by a home setback against Bournemouth. The summer market has closed with two thick signings, Xavi Simons and Kolo Muani, immediately ready to take a starting place.

Villarreal, on the other hand, comes to the match after facing Atletico Madrid in La Liga. Before then, the yellows had collected seven points in the first three days, a sign of the good work carried out by Marcelino. The Asturian coach is relying on the solidity of the 4-4-2, with a defense led by Foyth and Rafa Marin, and in front of the Ayoze-Mikautadze pair tasked with challenging the English rearguard.

Probable lineups

Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Sarr, Simons; Kolo Muani.
Coach: Frank.

Villarreal (4-4-2): Luiz Junior; Mouriño, Foyth, Marin, Sergi Cardona; Buchanan, Comesaña, Gueye, Moleiro; Ayoze, Mikautadze.
Coach: Marcelino.