Preview and possible lineups for Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal: Champions League matchday one

Villarreal CF

The project of Íñigo Pérez has started in an unexpected way. The Basque coach has turned the Rayo Vayecano into a team capable of going toe-to-toe with sides of a high level and reaching a Conference semi-final. Now, Íñigo has a huge challenge on his hands, with plenty of expectations and, for now, few certainties. His Champions debut could be the perfect moment to show that they made the right call by backing him.

The outlook is not flattering: Borussia beat Villarreal 4-0 last season. Also, in their domestic competition, the start has been much better (they have 6 points from 6). The atmosphere with which the Iduna Park will welcome the Valencian club also needs to be taken into account.

12

Carlos Romero
4.020.000€-700.000€ -

J4

4

J3

1

J2

7

J1

DF

00

20

Juan Foyth
4.540.000€-790.000€ -

J4

8

J3

5

J2

7

J1

DF

00

Aside from that, the main sporting handicap is problems in defence. Foyth has not recovered from his muscle complaints and is not fit in time. Carlos Romero, after not playing a single minute against Deportivo, is unlikely to be ready. Shedding their complexes, getting the most out of an attack with plenty of quality, and going out to play good football is essential to take home the win - or at least the draw - and start by picking up points. It is also worth remembering that this is the first shot. There are five more waiting in the chamber. 

Possible lineups

The Villarreal XI for Comuniate would be: Peter Gulácsi; Alex Freeman, Pau Navarro, Renato Veiga, Sergi Cardona; Nathan, Pape Geye, Ayoze Pérez; Nicolás Pepé, Molero and Mikautadze.

The Borussia Dortmund XI would likely be: Kobel, Ryerson, Gadou, Anton, Bensebaini, Sevensson; Jobe Bellingham, Veerman; Beier, Karetsas and Guirassy.