The Matchday 1 fixture of the 2025/26 Champions League group stage between Tottenham (England) and Villarreal (Spain) will take place on September 16 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Tottenham vs. Villarreal: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Tottenham
The Londoners finished only 17th in the Premier League last season. However, they secured a spot in the Champions League by winning the Europa League. In May, they defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the final of that tournament. The last time the English side participated in the Champions League was in the 2022/23 season, reaching the Round of 16, where they were stopped by Milan (0-1 on aggregate).
- In their last 11 matches in this European competition, Tottenham has won only 3 times in regular time (3 draws and 5 losses).
- No more than two goals were scored in 90 minutes in 6 of the last 8 Champions League games involving the Londoners.
- At least one team failed to score in regular time in 7 of the previous 10 matches involving the English side in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Tottenham (4-2-3-1)
Guglielmo Vicario – Djed Spence, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro – Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur – Mohammed Kudus, Pape Sarr, Xavi Simons – Richarlison.
Defender Radu Dragusin and midfielders Yves Bissouma, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski are currently sidelined due to injuries.
Villarreal
The Valencia-based team made it to the Champions League group stage thanks to a "gift" from UEFA in the form of an additional 5th spot for La Liga. The team finished 5th in the last La Liga season. Over the past 8 years, the club has only managed to qualify for the elite European competition twice. In the 2021/22 season, Villarreal reached the semi-finals, where they were defeated by Liverpool in both matches (0-2 and 2-3).
- The team has not lost in regular time in 7 of their last 10 Champions League matches (5 wins and 2 draws).
- Villarreal scored in 5 of their last 6 away matches in this tournament.
- The Spaniards did not lose in the first half in 14 of their last 15 games in this European competition (5 wins and 9 draws).
Predicted lineup for Villarreal (4-3-3)
Luis Junior – Rafa Marin, Sergi Cardona, Santiago Mourino, Juan Foyth – Alberto Moleiro, Santi Comesana, Pape Gueye – Karl Etta Eyong, Nicolas Pepe, Tajon Buchanan.
Forwards Pau Cabanes and Gerard Moreno, as well as defenders Willy Kambwala and Logan Costa, are in the team's infirmary.
Referee
Rade Obrenovic (Slovenia)
Matches – 12 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 60;
Average yellow cards per match – 5;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 17%.
Match Prediction: Tottenham vs. Villarreal
Both teams rarely appear in the Champions League, so they are eager to make the most of this tournament, as it's uncertain if they will reach the group stage again next year. Interestingly, both clubs, if they qualify for the autumn stage of the Champions League, usually secure a spot in the European competitions in spring, thanks to their strong attacking play.
Tottenham has failed to score in only 3 of their last 19 home matches in the Champions League. Meanwhile, Villarreal has found the net in 5 of their last 6 away games in this tournament. Judging by the current form of both teams in their respective national leagues, the English and Spanish sides are likely to score again.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
