In a thrilling Copa del Rey encounter, Chiclana, a sixth-tier team, is set to face top-flight giants Villarreal in what promises to be a memorable match.
Match Preview
Chiclana earned their place in the main draw by overcoming Mijas-Las Lagunas in the preliminary round. This historic event takes place as Chiclana celebrates its 75th anniversary.
Chiclana’s journey to this round was not without its challenges.
In their match against Mijas-Las Lagunas, they secured a 1-0 victory, with an own goal and a crucial penalty save by Fran Sanchez.
Impressively, Chiclana has also been performing well in their league campaign, sitting in second place with 15 points from seven matches and six consecutive clean sheets.
On the other side, Villarreal has been struggling to meet their high expectations this season, winning only four of their 13 matches across all competitions.
Pacheta, the newly appointed Villarreal boss, ended a five-game winless league run with a victory over Granada. This win put Villarreal in 12th place with 12 points.
Looking ahead to the Copa del Rey, Villarreal aspires to go far in the competition and secure their first-ever victory.
Chiclana’s form and defensive resilience may pose a challenge for them, making this match all the more intriguing.
Team News:
Fran Sanchez, Chiclana’s hero with his penalty save in the preliminary round, is crucial to their chances.
Chiclana’s manager, Jose Maria Suazo, is likely to field a similar lineup to the one that defeated Mijas-Las Lagunas.
For Villarreal, Yeremy Pino, Denis Suarez, Francis Coquelin, and Juan Foyth are sidelined, with Alfonso Pedraza doubtful.
Pepe Reina is expected to start in goal, with Kiko Femenia, Aissa Mandi, Jorge Cuenca, and Carlos Romero in the defense.
The lineup may also feature Ramon Terrats, Santi Comesana, Ben Brereton Diaz, and Jose Luis Morales.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Chiclana:
- Sanchez;
- Fernandez, Montero, Ramos, Leon;
- Alba, Juanito, Chust, Reyes, Butron;
- Guerrero
Villarreal:
Reina;
- Femenia, Mandi, Cuenca, Romero;
- Terrats, Comesana;
- Akhomach, Trigueros, Brereton Diaz;
- Morales
Match Prediction:
Chiclana is set to savor this historic occasion, but Villarreal is focused on a professional performance and a comfortable victory.
- Our Prediction: Chiclana 0-5 Villarreal