Match Overview

The opening matchday of the 2025/26 group stage features Tottenham Hotspur (England) and Villarreal (Spain) on September 16. The game will be held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Here’s a comprehensive prediction, betting odds, and statistics for the Tottenham vs Villarreal encounter.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Form and Journey

The London club finished a modest 17th in the Premier League last season. However, they secured their Champions League spot by triumphing in the Europa League, where they defeated Manchester United 1-0 in a thrilling final back in May. Their last Champions League appearance was in the 2022/23 season, where they reached the Round of 16 before being narrowly eliminated by AC Milan (0:1 on aggregate).

Tottenham’s Recent Champions League Performance

• In their last 11 European Cup matches, Tottenham has managed only 3 victories in regular time (alongside 3 draws and 5 defeats).
• Fewer than three goals were scored in 6 of their last 8 Champions League games (within 90 minutes).
• At least one team failed to score in regulation time in 7 of the Englishmen’s last 10 matches in this tournament.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1)

Guglielmo Vicario – Jed Spence, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro – João Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur – Mohammed Kudus, Pape Sarr, Xavi Simons – Richarlison.

Tottenham Hotspur: Injury Update

Currently sidelined due to injuries are defender Radu Dragusin, and midfielders Yves Bissouma, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski.

Villarreal’s Path to Europe’s Elite

The Valencian side earned their place in the Champions League group stage thanks to a ‘gift’ from UEFA – an additional 5th spot allocated to La Liga. Villarreal finished precisely 5th in the previous La Liga season. This marks only the second time in the last 8 years that the club has qualified for Europe’s elite competition. In the 2021/22 season, Villarreal famously reached the semi-finals, where they were defeated by Liverpool in both legs (0:2 and 2:3).

Villarreal’s Champions League Statistical Insights

• The team remained unbeaten 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 (within 90 minutes).
• The Spaniards did not lose the first half in 14 of their previous 15 European Cup games (5 wins and 9 draws).

Villarreal’s Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3)

Luís Júnior – Rafa Marín, Sergi Cardona, Santiago Mouriño, Juan Foyth – Alberto Moleiro, Santi Comesaña, Pape Gueye – Karl Etta Eyong, Nicolas Pépé, Tajon Buchanan.

Villarreal: Injury List

Currently in the team’s infirmary are forwards Pau Cabanes and Gerard Moreno, and defenders Willy Kambwalla and Logan Costa.

The Match Referee

Rade Obrenović (Slovenia)

Matches officiated – 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 awarded – 17%.

Match Prediction: Tottenham vs Villarreal

Both Tottenham and Villarreal make relatively rare appearances in the , which means they are highly motivated to perform their best in this campaign. Securing a spot in the main stage next year is far from guaranteed for either side. Interestingly, both clubs, when they do qualify for the group stage, almost consistently advance to the knockout rounds, often thanks to their effective attacking strategies.

Historically, Tottenham has failed to score in only 3 of their last 19 home Champions League matches. Similarly, Villarreal has found the net in 5 of their last 6 away encounters in this prestigious tournament. Considering both teams’ current form in their respective national championships, it’s highly probable that both the English and Spanish sides will once again register goals.

My prediction is: “Both teams to score – Yes” with odds of 1.67.