We want our place in history, Emery says. Can Villarreal knock out Juventus?

Villarreal never ceases to surprise. Last season they dominated the Europa League, this season they advanced from a tough Champions League group and are still in the playoffs after a 1-1 draw with Juventus in the eighth round. Coach Unai Emery is urging the town of 50,000 to make history.

In the Europa League last season, Villarreal successively knocked out Dynamo Kiev, Dinamo Zagreb, Arsenal and beat Manchester United in the final. In this year’s Champions League group stage, they again faced the Red Devils and finished second in the group, leaving Atalanta and Young Boys Bern behind.

That leaves the Yellow Submarine with Juventus in the eighth round, but they are certainly not without a chance. Although Vlahovic opened the scoring in the first minute of the first leg, Parejo equalised in the 66th minute to make it 1-1. And Villarreal feel they have a chance in the rematch.

“We are very excited. We played great games in the group stage and in the first game we were able to pick ourselves up after the opening blow, which can knock you out. They are the favourites because of the present and because of the history, but we also want to have our own place in history and get recognition,” Emery told a news conference.

Villarreal is a magical place in its own way. The city has only 50,000 inhabitants, yet the modest club has been able to compete with better and richer teams for a long time. The Estadio de la Cerámica can hold 23,500 people and is always packed, bringing together roughly half the city.

The fans are very united and constantly support the team. Winning the Europa League was the club’s first ever trophy, so there was great joy in the city. And to go far in the Champions League? That would be another incredible moment for the city.

“Fortunately Villarreal gives the city the opportunity to be in Europe and play against the best. We want to contribute and help. We are proud that the fans support us so much. Being in the eighth round is an achievement in itself, but we want to continue in this competition,” Emery assures.

Source: Villarreal CF