On August 10, 2016, Villarreal delivered one of the toughest blows of Marcelino`s career: his dismissal just seven days before their Champions League preliminary debut against Monaco. After guiding the club back to Primera División and securing European qualification, the Asturian coach was forced to watch the crucial match from afar, not from the dugout as he had hoped. Nine years later, at the age of 60, Marcelino is finally getting his long-awaited retribution: tonight, he will manage the Yellow Submarine in the Champions League for the very first time, as they face Juventus at the Estadio de La Cerámica.
This highly symbolic and special evening is one the coach intends to approach with his usual clear-headedness. “The important thing is for my players to give their absolute best and secure a victory,” he stated on the eve of the game.
It won`t be an easy task, as Villarreal faces significant absences: long-term injured players Costa and Kambwala are out, as are technical leader Gerard, star striker Ayoze, and defensive cornerstone Foyth. There might be changes on the flanks, with Buchanan and Moleiro potentially starting after their impressive performance against Athletic.
Igor Tudor`s Juventus side also arrives without a full squad: Bremer and Thuram are unavailable, while in Italy, there`s speculation that Yildiz might be rested ahead of Sunday`s crucial league clash against AC Milan. The Bianconeri remain undefeated but are coming off three consecutive draws, including a thrilling 4-4 against Dortmund in the Champions League. Three years after their only previous European encounter, a 1-1 draw, Villarreal and Juve meet again with significantly revamped rosters. For Marcelino, this will truly be a night of liberation: the Champions League, at long last, on his home turf.
