Tottenham vs Villarreal — Champions League Preview (16 Sept 2025)
Kick-off: 21:00 CET
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025/26, Matchday 1
Match Context
Tottenham Hotspur return to the Champions League group stage with a home tie against Villarreal, the “Yellow Submarine” from Spain. Spurs have started the season strongly under Ange Postecoglou, with James Maddison orchestrating play and Richarlison leading the attack. Villarreal, despite a shaky start in La Liga, remain a dangerous European side, having reached the semi-finals in 2022 (UEFA).
This clash promises tactical intrigue, with Tottenham’s high-tempo, vertical attacking style set to face Villarreal’s structured midfield and counter-attacking approach. Spurs aim to control possession and create chances through wide play, while Villarreal will rely on quick transitions, pace on the flanks, and aerial threats.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Tottenham (4-2-3-1)
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GK: Guglielmo Vicario
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RB: Pedro Porro
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CB: Cristian Romero
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CB: Micky van de Ven
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LB: Destiny Udogie
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CM: Yves Bissouma
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CM: Pape Matar Sarr
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RW: Dejan Kulusevski
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AM: James Maddison
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LW: Brennan Johnson
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ST: Richarlison
Key Notes:
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Maddison is central to Spurs’ creativity and linking midfield with attack.
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Richarlison provides physicality and finishing in the final third.
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Romero–Van de Ven partnership ensures defensive stability.
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Full-backs Porro and Udogie offer width and support in attack.
Villarreal (4-3-3)
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GK: Filip Jörgensen
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RB: Juan Foyth
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CB: Jorge Cuenca
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CB: Eric Bailly
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LB: Alberto Moreno
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CM: Dani Parejo
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CM: Étienne Capoue
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CM: Álex Baena
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RW: Gerard Moreno
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LW: Yeremy Pino
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ST: Alexander Sørloth
Key Notes:
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Parejo controls tempo, vital for midfield balance.
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Gerard Moreno and Pino bring pace, creativity, and finishing.
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Sørloth offers hold-up play and aerial threat.
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The backline combines experience and physicality to resist Spurs’ pressing.
Tactical Analysis
Tottenham’s Approach:
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High press to disrupt Villarreal’s buildup.
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Vertical passing and quick transitions through Maddison.
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Wide attacking play using Porro and Udogie.
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Richarlison as central forward with Johnson and Kulusevski creating width.
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Midfield duo of Bissouma and Sarr provide both defensive cover and forward link-up.
Villarreal’s Approach:
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Compact midfield with Parejo dictating tempo.
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Quick counters using Pino and Gerard Moreno.
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Sørloth as a target man for hold-up play.
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Set-pieces may prove key against Tottenham’s high line.
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Defensive organization crucial to absorb Spurs’ early pressure.
Key Battle
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Maddison vs Parejo: Midfield control will dictate the game’s rhythm.
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Richarlison vs Villarreal defense: Exploiting gaps with physicality and movement.
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Pino & Gerard Moreno vs Tottenham full-backs: Pace and movement could create counter-attacking chances.
Players to Watch
Tottenham:
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James Maddison — creative hub, linking midfield and attack.
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Richarlison — physical forward capable of exploiting defensive weaknesses.
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Dejan Kulusevski — wide attacker with pace and dribbling.
Villarreal:
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Gerard Moreno — experienced striker, lethal inside the box.
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Dani Parejo — controlling midfielder, key in possession and transitions.
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Alexander Sørloth — target man for aerial threats and hold-up play.
Match Prediction
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Tottenham’s high pressing and attacking width make them favorites at home.
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Villarreal will aim to frustrate early attacks and hit on the counter.
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Expected scoreline: Tottenham 2-1 Villarreal, with Spurs likely scoring from wide play and a transition goal.
Extended Analysis
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Tottenham’s midfield duo of Bissouma and Sarr will be crucial to balance attack and defense.
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Full-backs Porro and Udogie provide overlapping runs to stretch Villarreal’s defense.
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Villarreal’s set-pieces could create scoring chances if Spurs push high.
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Early game intensity from Spurs may set the rhythm, forcing Villarreal to adapt tactically.
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The clash represents fast-paced English attacking football against structured Spanish counter-attacking style.
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