These two clubs have only ever been drawn together once before, facing in the Champions League group stages 14 years ago, with Manchester City winning both meetings. Later that season, the Sky Blues won their first top-flight title in 44 years while Villarreal were relegated.
Villarreal vs Manchester City preview
Manchester City have so far made a mixed start to this competition, so will they collect three important points at El Madrigal? Last time out in the Champions League, Pep Guardiola's team were held to an underwhelming 2-2 draw by Monaco. Erling Braut Håland twice fired the Citizens in front in the Principality, only for Eric Dier's stoppage time penalty to pinch a point at Stade Louis II.
Nevertheless, it certainly is not time to panic for the Sky Blues, considering they did win their Champions League opener against ten-man Napoli; Håland and Jérémy Doku on target at the Etihad. After this, Man City will also travel to Real Madrid and Bodø/Glimt in the league phase, while welcoming Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and Galatasaray to North West England, so are very much targeting a top eight spot, having finished down in 22nd last season.
Meantime, in the Premier League, despite winning the title in six of the last eight seasons, Man City are going under the radar as title contenders. However, on Saturday, they made it three league wins on the spin, with Håland's second half double downing Everton. The Citizens face Aston Villa and then Bournemouth, before welcoming champions Liverpool to the Etihad for a huge clash on 9 November. So, ahead of Sunday's visit to Villa Park, will they leave Valencia with three points?
As for Villarreal, this is just the fifth time they've ever qualified for the Champions League, doing so only twice since 2011, still searching for their first victory of the campaign. On opening night, Marcelino's team were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham in North London, with a fluke own goal by goalkeeper Luiz Júnior, inside four minutes, rather gifting Spurs all three points. They then did get off the mark against Villarreal, earning a 2-2 draw, in which Georges Mikautadze broke the deadlock, before Renato Veiga's towering header rescued a draw right at the death.
Meantime, in La Liga, el Submarino Amarillo are flying, currently third, beaten only by Atlético and Real Madrid in the Spanish capital. On Saturday evening, they were frustratingly held to a 2-2 draw by Real Betis at home, leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Tajon Buchanan and then Alberto Moleiro, only for a brace by Antony to ensure it ended all square. In summary though, Villarreal will be no push-overs, so Manchester City will need to be at their best to win at Estadio de la Cerámica on Tuesday.
Villarreal vs Manchester City head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 2.
- Villarreal Wins: Zero. Draws: Zero. Manchester City Wins: 2.
Villarreal team news
Luiz Júnior, who was responsible for that clanger at Spurs, began the season as number one, but Arnau Tenas is set to be donning the gloves, having started four of the last five matches.
Meantime, Canadian international Tajon Buchanan bagged his fourth goal of the season at the weekend, having also netted a hat-trick during a 6-0 demolition of Girona in August.
His form is keeping former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pépé on the bench, while controversial summer signing Thomas Partey has started only four matches since making the move to Spain.
Villarreal predicted lineup vs Manchester City: (4-4-2): Tenas; Navarro, Marín, Veiga, Pedraza; Parejo, Comesaña, Buchanan, Moleiro; Mikautadze, Oluwaseyi.
Villarreal player to watch vs Manchester City
Former Minnesota United striker Tani Oluwaseyi, who scored his first La Liga goal against Sevilla last month, is set to partner Georges Mikautadze in attack; the Georgian broke the deadlock against Juventus, as well as netting at the Bernabéu, so can he bag another big goal here?
Manchester City team news
Pep Guardiola remains without Rodri, who will miss out on a meeting with his former club, while Abdukodir Khusanov is also sidelined. In better news, fit again duo Mateo Kovačić and Rayan Cherki both came off the bench against Everton, while Omar Marmoush was an unused substitute.
In terms of likely starters, Nico González will continue to deputise for his compatriot at the base of midfield, while Savinho got the nod out-wide at the weekend, but either Bernardo Silva or Oscar Bobb could return here and it would not be a surprise.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Villarreal: (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Rúben Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Nico, Reijnders, Foden, Silva, Doku; Håland.
Manchester City player to watch vs Villarreal
Erling Braut Håland has now scored 14 goals for Manchester City this season, bagging 70% of all goals the've scored across the Premier League and Champions League.
In this competition, the Norwegian has netted 52 times in just 50 appearances, on target against 19 different opponents, so can he add Villarreal to that list of victims?
Villarreal vs Manchester City prediction
We are backing Man City to earn a hard-fought victory at Estadio de la Cerámica, even if Villarreal are a strong team that will not be beaten easily, especially on home turf: Villarreal 1-2 Manchester City.
Villarreal vs Manchester City FAQs - UEFA Champions League
How to watch Villarreal vs Manchester City in the Champions League on TV channel?
Villarreal vs Manchester City in the Champions League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 1.
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Villarreal vs Manchester City in the Champions League on live streaming?
Villarreal vs Manchester City in the Champions League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Villarreal vs Manchester City in the Champions League?
Villarreal vs Manchester City takes place on Tuesday 21 October 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).