The “Yellow Submarine,” a testimony to the strength and greatness of football in Europe of the past decade, is Villarreal, punching above its weight constantly in spectacular performances against football’s biggest clubs. These times, aside from thrilling all its fans, place it among the greatest powers football has ever known.
This article highlights Villarreal’s greatest matches of the past decade. From incredible La Liga battles to their triumphant Europa League victory, we’ll revisit games that defined their journey. Along the way, you’ll also discover the players, managers, and strategies that made these moments possible.
Dive in to relive the drama, joy, and passion that Villarreal brought to football fans around the world. These stories capture the essence of why football remains the world’s most loved sport.
Rise of Villarreal: The Decade Progress (2011–2015)
In the early years of the last decade, Villarreal rebuilt and rediscovered themselves. Relegated to La Liga in 2011–2012, Villarreal regrouped to reclaim their status as one of Spain’s top clubs. It was that largely dogged period that laid down a successful foundation for future triumphs.
One of their best performances was during the promotion campaign in 2013. Villarreal proved to be the most tactically disciplined side and one that hungered for victory. The 1-0 victory against Almería in the final match sealed their return to La Liga. It perfectly portrayed how they were bouncy back under pressure by Marcelino García Toral.
Villarreal did not take too much time in La Liga to start leaving their mark. The most notable battles against Sevilla and Valencia marked the team as taking a more attacking style, something that the fans liked about them. This team of young talent blended well with experience, ensuring they could always be a balanced challenge for any opponent. The years set in that Villarreal could certainly play at the top level, leading up to the most memorable games played.
2016: Breaking into the Top Tier
It was in 2015–2016 that Villarreal broke into the upper echelons. In La Liga, the team finished fourth, thereby garnering a prized qualification into the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. The success was built with great performances from Bruno Soriano and Cédric Bakambu, who always lived up to the pressure that came with their role at the club.
In this game, they had one which played where the win was obtained in 1-0 to Napoli at the Europa League Round of 32. Denis Suárez’ free kick which went in late ensured qualification into the following round but when they tested with big teams, this aspect was different as they will be facing opposition which is robust enough to put it out.
It also witnessed a sensational run in La Liga during that season, which also included a thrilling 2-1 win against Atlético Madrid. That was a game of stratagem as Villarreal exploited much space, which Atlético left open and did not lose their cool once.
Europa League Glory: Villarreal’s Historic 2021 Final Victory
The crowning jewel in Villarreal’s decade was their historic Europa League victory in 2021. Under the leadership of Unai Emery, Villarreal went on to face Manchester United in a final that will be remembered as one of the most dramatic matches in European football history.
The game went into extra time, with a score of 1-1 at the end. Villarreal demonstrated excellent discipline and a sense of tactics. The penalty shootout nerves played them out, as all the 11 Villarreal players converted their spot-kicks before Gerónimo Rulli saved the decisive penalty that would have given victory to David de Gea of Manchester United. It therefore ended 11-10 in the shootout and delivered Villarreal their very first major European trophy.
It wasn’t about the cup. It was about years of hard work and advancements. Also, it confirmed the image of Unai Emery as a Europa League expert, and Villarreal may prove its capacity for successful competition in the European fields.
Fighty Memories with Giants from La Liga
Throughout the decade, Villarreal had established a reputation for containing Spain’s biggest clubs in Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid. These matches also often created the best in the Yellow Submarine and gave fans the most spectacular spectacles.
One such game was their 4-4 draw against Barcelona in the 2018-2019 season. Trailing 2-0 within the opening minutes, Villarreal pulled off an incredible turnaround, netting four to take the lead at 4-2 before the Blaugrana equalized in injury time. Here, it was evident how much of an attacking prowess and resolve they had against a side full of stars.
Other remarkable games include their 1-0 win over Real Madrid at the end of the 2017-2018 season. With a late goal from Pablo Fornals, Villarreal silenced the Bernabéu crowd in the first-ever away win from Villarreal against La Liga’s traditional powerhouses. Such games show how Villarreal can beat the conventional powerhouses of La Liga.
The return of Villarreal to the UEFA Champions League was full of unforgettable moments. One of their most memorable games is in the 2021–2022 season wherein they were able to send Bayern Munich back home.
After getting a 1-0 win at home, Villarreal traveled to Munich, where they drew 1-1 against Bayern, sending one of Europe’s dominant teams packing. Samuel Chukwueze’s late equalizer was pure ecstasy for Villarreal fans as it sealed their place in the semifinals.
Through such matches, it highlighted and showed that Villarreal was a team that excelled in tactics, especially adaptation against the best of them. Their performance in the Champions League proved to be club change and aspiration on that European soil.
Key Players Who Shaped Villarreal’s Decade
Many players have played key roles for Villarreal over the last decade. Gerard Moreno has been one of the club’s most consistent performers, and he played a great role in their Europa League triumph and La Liga campaigns with crucial goals that won many games and fans’ hearts.
One of the young players from the Villarreal academy was Pau Torres, who became a defender, while his composure in pressure situations, besides his leadership quality, has been crucial to matches that required higher stakes.
Bruno Soriano, Santi Cazorla, and Dani Parejo are among many other players who would further define Villarreal, as the team could develop in ability, effort, and love.
The Legacy and Future of Villarreal
Definitely, Villarreal’s achievements over the last decade have placed them among the most respected clubs in Europe. From fighting relegation to winning a major European trophy, their journey speaks of resilience and ambition.
This leads me to the future of the always-growing young talent in competition at the highest level under a solid foundation with an always-growing fan base: the Yellow Submarine of Villarreal, an always-growing number of unbelievable moments in the future.
FAQs
Q1: Why is it said that Villarreal is a “Yellow Submarine”
A: Because they play in yellow shirts, plus fans adopted the Beatles’ song “Yellow Submarine” as their anthem.
Q2: What is Villarreal’s greatest achievement?
A: The biggest success of the club is the win of the 2021 UEFA Europa League.
Q3: Who are Villarreal’s most significant players in the last ten years?
A: The major players are Gerard Moreno, Pau Torres, and Bruno Soriano.
Q4: Which match played for Villarreal will be etched in memory?
A: One of the games that was particularly iconic was the one where they won against Bayern Munich in the quarterfinal in the 2021-2022 season.
Q5: What is so special about Villarreal among other European clubs?
A : Villarreal raises youngsters and has a minimum budget but plays against the big clubs.
