Founded in 1923, Villarreal hail from a small city in the Castellon province of Valencia with a population of around 50,000. Their rise to become a European force has been remarkable, earning them the beloved nickname "The Yellow Submarine".

The club reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2004-05, and in 2020-21 they won the Europa League under Unai Emery — their first major trophy. The local ceramic tile industry is deeply intertwined with the club, reflected in their stadium name "Estadio de la Ceramica".

Marcelino Garcia Toral, appointed in summer 2025, is an experienced Spanish coach known for balancing attack and defence. He has maintained Villarreal's passing traditions while building a more robust defensive structure.

Alberto Moleiro and Georges Mikautadze have strengthened the attack, while veteran Dani Parejo continues to orchestrate play from midfield. Gerard Moreno provides invaluable experience and composure in the final third.