Triple hope for Spaniards

Posted Thursday, November 05, 2009 by PA

Villarreal will be desperate to continue their recent improved form, keep their Europa League hopes alive, and gain revenge for their heartbreaking defeat in Rome when they host Lazio at El Madrigal.

Villarreal lost 2-1 in the first meeting with the Italians, conceding an injury-time winner despite playing against 10 men for the last 25 minutes.

Since then Ernesto Valverde's men finally appear to have got their season up and running following a dismal start.

In their first game after that defeat in the Eternal City, the Yellow Submarine recorded their first Primera Division win of the season when they beat Malaga 2-1 and then, after drawing with Puertollano in the Copa del Rey, they thrashed Tenerife 5-0 last weekend to claim their biggest league victory in more than six years.

That improved form could not have been more timely, as they are now virtually in the last-chance saloon in the Europa League after losing two of their opening three games, leaving them six points behind Group G leaders Salzburg.

Defender Ivan Marcano said: "If we lose against Lazio we're almost out, and it would be a shame because we have high hopes in this competition.

"They (Lazio) are having problems, but in the first leg they showed that they have very dangerous players on the counter-attack."

Lazio head into the match with a three-point advantage over Villarreal in the group, thanks to wins over the Spaniards and basement side Levski Sofia.

Their European form has so far given the Biancocelesti fans something to celebrate, unlike their domestic form which has been disappointing at best.

Just two wins in 11 Serie A matches has left Davide Ballardini's side 15th in the table and only two points above the drop zone.

But the Lazio coach is keen to put their domestic troubles to one side for a few days and concentrate on making it through to the last 32 of the Europa League.

He said: "Villarreal will be a very tough match. They are a complete team with plenty of quality and experience."

Defender Guglielmo Stendardo misses out for Lazio after suffering a blow to the knee during the 1-1 draw with Siena at the weekend.

Julio Cruz, Ousmane Dabo and Mourad Meghni are also injured while Francelino Matuzalem is suspended.