Villarreal and FC København face each other this Wednesday, December 10, 2025, for the Grupo H of the The game, scheduled for 2:45 pm local Spanish time, represents a vital chance for the Spanish team to achieve their first victory in the competition, after five rounds without triumphs. FC København, in turn, seeks to consolidate its position in the fight for playoffs, with just one victory so far.
The lineups were released hours before kickoff, confirming the expectations of coaches Marcelino and Jacob Neestrup. The Villarreal adopts the 4-4-2 to exploit speed on the flanks, while the København opts for the 4-2-3-1, prioritizing quick transitions on the counterattack. Referee Ivan Kružliak will command the match, averaging 5.03 cards per game this season.
The clash takes place in the midst of an irregular phase for both teams in the Champions. Villarreal accumulates one point, in 34th place overall, after draws and defeats that exposed defensive weaknesses. Já o København, with four points and in 29th place, comes from a 3-2 victory over Kairat Almaty, but faces absences that test the depth of the squad.
- Main highlights in the attack: Nicolas Pépé and Georges Mikautadze by Villarreal, with 51% and 46% of chance creation, respectively.
- In midfield: Pape Gueye and Santi Comesaña anchor the Spanish pressing, while Mads Emil Madsen and William Clem seek Danish balance.
- Defense under pressure: Renato Veiga and Alfonso Pedraza for the local side, against Marcos López and Junnosuke Suzuki visitors.
Lineups confirmed in detail
Villarreal starts with Luiz Júnior in goal, protected by a line of four made up of Pau Navarro, Rafa Marín, Renato Veiga and Alfonso Pedraza. In the middle, Tajon Buchanan, Santi Comesaña, Pape Gueye and Alberto Moleiro form the quartet, with Nicolas Pépé and Georges Mikautadze at the front.
These choices reflect tactical adjustments by Marcelino, which prioritizes ball possession at home, where the team has won three of the last three domestic games. Buchanan, with 44% of tackles, wins a place on the right flank to contain the Danish attacks.
FC København responds with Dominik Kotarski between the posts, followed by Yoram Zague, Gabriel Pereira, Junnosuke Suzuki and Marcos López in defense. William Clem and Mads Emil Madsen act on the fly, with Jordan Larsson, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Robert supporting
Neestrup is betting on the youth of Dadason, a sensation of the season with decisive goals, to exploit counterattacks. The formation aims to neutralize the opponent’s initial pressure, exploiting recent errors in the Spanish ball’s release.
Planned substitutions include Manor Solomon and Ilias Akhomach for Villarreal, aiming for breath in the second half. Pelo København, Viktor Claesson and Elias Achouri can come in to reinforce the middle.
Where to watch live and available channels
The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports on Brasil, with an open signal for subscribers from 2:30 pm on Brasília. The HBO Max platform also shows the duel in streaming, allowing access via app or website for logged in users.
Other options include DAZN service in select markets, with narration in multiple languages. No México, Fox Sports covers at 11:45 local time, while on Argentina and
For those who prefer mobile, the official UEFA app Champions League offers real-time updates, including possession and shot statistics. Responsible Apostas are encouraged, with initial odds of 1.45 for Villarreal to win.
Embezzlement and impactful absences
Villarreal deals with suspensions and injuries that alter the original planning. Juan Foyth is punished for a red card, opening space for Rafa Marín in central defense.
Gerard Moreno continues to undergo muscular recovery, having been absent since November, while Logan Costa and Willy Kambwala are out due to physical problems. Essas casualties force adaptations, with Pedraza assuming the captain’s belt.
In København, Lukas Lerager is the main suspended, replaced by William Clem in containment. Magnus Mattsson and Thomas Partey face recent injuries, limiting options in midfield.
Rodrigo Huescas and Oliver Højer also do not play, impacting the rotation. Apesar Furthermore, the Danish team maintains depth with young players like Dadason, who has already scored in European games.
Tactical strategies in focus
Marcelino advises Villarreal to press high in the first 15 minutes, aiming to force errors when the opponent’s ball is released. With an average of 46.5% possession at Champions, the team seeks to increase it to 55% at home, exploring crosses for Mikautadze.
The focus is on quick transitions through the wings, with Buchanan and Moleiro as targets for long passes. Compact Defesa is essential as the team has conceded 10 goals in the last five European games.
Neestrup plans medium blocks for København, countering with Larsson and Elyounoussi. The Danish team, with 1.2 goals per away game, prioritizes efficiency in finishing, having created 14 clear chances in the last match.
Pre-game video analysis highlighted Spanish weaknesses in dead balls, where København practices offensive corners. Equilíbrio in midfield will be decisive, with Gueye scoring Claesson.
History and previous clashes
The teams last met in 2023, with Villarreal winning 4-2 in the group stage. At the time, Submarino Amarelo dominated with 58% possession, but suffered from counterattacks.
In total, there are two official games, with a Spanish victory and a draw. København has never won on Spanish territory in Champions, recording three defeats in five visits.
General statistics show Villarreal with 1.7 goals per home game this season, compared to 1.2 for their rival away. Ambas teams scored in 60% of the tournament’s recent duels.
Featured players for the duel
Tajon Buchanan appears as a key player in Villarreal, with 31% of tackles and 55% of aerial duels won. The Canadian, ex-Brujas, adapts well to La Liga and is looking for his first European goal for the club.
Georges Mikautadze complements the attack, with 46% chance creation and an average of 2.1 shots per match. Sua partnership with Pépé, experienced in finals, can unbalance the Danish defense.
For København, Viktor Dadason, 19 years old, leads with three goals in Champions, including the one against Kairat. Sua speed in depth tests Veiga, who missed passes in 15% of recent moves.
Gabriel Pereira, central defender, records 71% saves in duels, essential against local pressure. Mohamed Elyounoussi adds experience, with assists in 40% of away games.
Recent expectations and statistics
Villarreal comes from a 2-0 victory over Getafe in La Liga, boosting morale for Champions. The team averages 11.2 shot attempts per game, but only converts 12% into goals.
København drew 1-1 with Midtjylland in the national championship, remaining unbeaten at home, but away they have recorded three consecutive defeats in Europa. Posse average of 42% reflects reactive style.
Predictions indicate over 2.5 goals in 67% of scenarios, with Villarreal favorite with a 52% probability of winning. Comunidade Sofascore votes 65% for the home team.
Referee Kružliak applies 0.26 yellow cards for fouls, promising a fluid game. Fatores and mild climate in Villarreal favor high rhythm.
