It will be a battle between two sides that have defeated Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final as Tottenham Hotspur welcomes Villarreal to England, Softfootball reports.
Spurs finished 17th in the premier league last season but qualified for the Champions League after beating the Red Devils in the final 1-0 while Villarreal shared a similar experience when they defeated Manchester United four years ago to win the same competition.
It is poised to be an interesting encounter as Tottenham have avoided defeat in each of their last 20 UEFA competition games played at home. The home side are excited about the game as they shared a post on their official X handle. It read:
Our @ChampionsLeague campaign begins tomorrow ✨ pic.twitter.com/0lvcMmFVYg
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 15, 2025Team news
Tottenham hammered West Ham 3-0 at the weekend without record signing Dominic Solanke, who is still out with an ankle injury and will definitely miss the Villarreal match.
The Lilywhites have long-term absentee’s like Yves Bissouma, Kota Takai, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin and James Maddison due to injuries and while Mathys Tel was left out of Frank’s Champions League squad.
Spurs manager Thomas Frank has already confirmed new signing Randal Kolo Muani will make his debut while Brazilian striker Richarlison is available. Xavi Simons, who made his debut at the weekend, should retain his place on the left side of midfield.
For the Yellow Submarines, Logan Costa and Pau Cabanes are both out due to ACL issues, while ex-Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala is expected to remain out until December with a hamstring problem.
Experienced striker, Gerard Moreno is also out with a hamstring injury. A familiar face will be returning to North London in ex-Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe, who just won the La Liga Player of the Month for August, he is set to start. Pepe already enjoyed success with Villarreal in England when they beat Arsenal 3-2 in pre-season. Villarreal posted about Pepe’s award on their official X handle.
El mejor jugador del mes de agosto de LaLiga está listo para brillar en la Champions League. ✨ pic.twitter.com/RCZepKVuIW
— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) September 15, 2025Also returning to North London is Juan Foyth should start at the back against his old employers, while loanee Manor Solomon is eligible to face his parent club.
Tottenham probable XI:
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur, Bergvall; Kudus, Richarlison, Simons
Villarreal probable XI:
Junior; Mourino, Foyth, Veiga, Cardona; Pepe, Gueye, Parejo, Moleiro; Perez, Mikautadze
Prediction
Tottenham and Villarreal are very attack minded sides and are in good form. So, the game should produce goals. Tottenham 3-2 Villarreal.
