Football Season Guide

Villarreal secured a return to Champions League football last season, benefiting from the changes to see fifth qualify for the competition. Marcelino's second stint in charge is working out as effective as his first time in charge at the Estadio de la Cerámica. The Yellow Submarine were one of the league's highest goalscorers, ending the season with 1.87 goals per game. Ayoze Perez led that charge, though the team have lost creative force Alex Baena and second-highest scorer Thierno Barry in the transfer window. They have yet to be replaced, in the only question mark still hanging over the club's businss this summer. The moves in the market have been smart from Villarreal, who have recruited well with the defensive additions of Santiago Mouriño and Rafa Marin to a problem position in defence. The controversial arrival of Thomas Partey has also brought them in a high-level option in midfield that they would not have been able to secure if it were not for his off-the-field issues. That will help to shore up a defence which was highly unsettled last season. Changes in goal and across the backline meant Villarreal rarely had a defensive unit, and it showed as only three teams conceded more goals than Villarreal did at home last season.