Unionistas vs Villarreal
Copa del Rey
Third Round
Sunday
7th January 2024
Campo de Futbol Reina Sofia
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Copa del Rey Third Round fixture between Unionistas and Villarreal.
Unionistas vs Villarreal: Preview
Unionistas form analysis
Unionistas de Salamanca’s recent form encapsulates their ability to trouble top teams while underwhelming against relegation candidates. A solid 2-0 home win over mid-table Gimnàstic Tarragona on December 3rd was backed up with an impressive 2-0 Copa Del Rey victory at home to second tier Sporting Gijon three days later. However, Unionistas could not build on those results as defensive lapses led to a late 0-1 defeat away at bottom side Sabadell on December 9th.
Unionistas ended 2023 with an uninspired goalless home draw against relegation threatened Teruel on December 16th. However, the winter break seemed to reenergize Unionistas as they comfortably beat Barcelona B 2-0 away from home on January 4th thanks to goals from Slavy and Varo Gómez. Overall, Unionistas have enough quality to aim for a top six finish but must improve concentration and ruthlessness against stubborn opposition to maintain a promotion push. Showing their best form consistently is now essential in a competitive Group 2 table.
Villarreal form analysis
It has been an inconsistent first half of the season for defending European champions Villarreal. After coming from behind to earn a battling 1-1 draw away at fellow contenders Sevilla on December 3rd, Villarreal suffered a sobering reality check in their next match, losing heavily 0-3 away to table-toppers Real Sociedad on December 9th. Villarreal ended 2023 with another humbling defeat, outclassed in a 1-4 home loss to Real Madrid on December 18th despite captain José Luis Morales’ consolation strike.
After the winter break, defensive lapses continued in an error-strewn 2-3 home loss to Celta Vigo on January 3rd, with veteran Dani Parejo’s penalty opener not enough while twice surrendering a lead. A chastening 1-3 home defeat to Valencia followed four days later despite Gerard Moreno’s return from injury, a contest which encapsulated the defensive malaise plaguing the side. Tightening up at the back and adding consistency seem necessities for Villarreal to recover and push for European qualification once more after an underwhelming season thus far.
