Previews
WED 28.09.2016
Following a mixed bag of results in their opening Europa League group fixtures, Villarreal CF, RC Celta and Athletic Club will be hoping to take all three points from their second games. Coincidentally, all three sides won at the weekend.
Villarreal were the only LaLiga team to win their opening Europa League match with a 2-1 home win over FC Zurich at El Madrigal. Their next test is an away trip to Romania where they face a 19:00 kick off against FC Steaua Bucharest at the Arena Națională. Undefeated in LaLiga so far this season, Fran Escriba's side are brimming with self-confidence. However, the opposition will not make things easy for them, having only lost two of their last 15 home games.
Celta kick off against Panathinaikos FC at the same time, but in front of their fans at Balaidos. It will be the LaLiga side's first European home game since 2007, making it an extra special occasion for Eduardo Berizzo and his players. The Galicians won their last two LaLiga matches, whilst the Greeks could only manage a draw against Panetolikos FC in their last league match.
Athletic take to the pitch at 21:05, also at home, in front of their fans at San Mames, where they welcome Rapid Vienna intent on bouncing back from their 3-0 opening day defeat to US Sassuolo. On a four-match winning streak in LaLiga Santander, Ernesto Valverde's players will be looking to take that form into the Europa League. Meanwhile, the Austrian team played out a 1-1 draw against St. Polten in their last league game.
© LALIGA - 2016