On Sunday, December 14, 2025, Levante UD will host Villarreal CF at the Estadi Ciutat de València in a match that feels less like a contest and more like a coronation in reverse. With Levante rooted to the bottom of La Liga, winless at home all season, and reeling from five straight losses, the odds aren’t just stacked against them—they’re practically welded shut. Villarreal, meanwhile, are riding a six-match winning streak in the league, sitting third, and showing no signs of slowing down—even after a midweek Champions League heartbreaker. This isn’t just another fixture. It’s a reckoning.
Levante’s Descent: A Team Running on Empty
Levante UD hasn’t won a home game since August. Not one. Their 0.33 goals per match at the Estadi Ciutat de València isn’t just poor—it’s historic. They’ve conceded 28 goals in 15 games, the second-worst defensive record in the league, and their last six matches have ended in defeat, save for one draw. The pattern? DLLLLL. Five losses in a row, capped by a 4-1 thrashing at Real Sociedad. Their caretaker manager, Alvaro del Moral, inherited a sinking ship and hasn’t found a life raft. Star striker Etta Eyong has five goals, but even he’s rumored to be packing his bags if relegation becomes official. The fans? They’re not just frustrated—they’re resigned.Villarreal’s Machine: Precision, Power, and Poise
Contrast that with Villarreal CF, managed by the shrewd Marcelino Garcia. They’ve won six straight La Liga games, including a 2-0 demolition of Getafe on December 12, where they controlled 62% of possession and turned five shots on target into two goals. Tajon Buchanan and Georges Mikautadze are clicking, and Gerard Moreno, despite playing fewer games, is scoring at a rate that suggests he’s still got fire in his boots. Villarreal’s away form? Three straight wins, averaging 1.5 goals per road game while letting in just 1.4. They’re third in goals scored (31), first in goals conceded (13), and their expected goals differential is among the league’s best. This isn’t luck. It’s execution.The Numbers Don’t Lie: A Chasm Between Teams
Look at the stats side by side and you see a team in freefall and one accelerating toward Europe. Levante averages 128 shots this season—18th in La Liga. Villarreal? 179 shots, sixth best. Levante concedes 230 opponent shots—second worst. Villarreal allows just 152, ranking 19th. That’s not a gap. That’s a canyon. And at home, Levante’s defense is porous: 1.87 goals per game conceded. Villarreal’s attack? 2.1 goals per match. The last time these two met at this stadium, Levante won 2-0. That was over a year ago. Since then, Villarreal have won 13 of their last 22 meetings overall. This isn’t a rivalry anymore—it’s a one-way street.Betting Markets Say It All
The odds tell the story before the whistle blows. Villarreal are heavy favorites at -143 to -147 on the moneyline. A draw? +314. Levante? +343. That’s not just a favorite. That’s a lock in the eyes of the market. Predictions are unanimous: Villarreal CF to win, over 2.5 goals to be scored, and Tajon Buchanan or Georges Mikautadze to find the net. Scores24.live forecasts a 0-3 rout. SportyTrader’s algorithm backs Villarreal to win with over 2.5 goals. Even Bleacher Nation, known for bold takes, sees a 3-0 finish. Daniel Ngulu of SportyTrader put it bluntly: "Another loss for Levante seems to be coming here, and it could be a heavy one, seeing as Villarreal have been scoring a lot lately."What’s Next? The Calendar Doesn’t Wait
Villarreal’s schedule doesn’t soften after this match. On December 17, they face Racing Santander in the Copa del Rey. Then, on December 21, they host Barcelona in a potential title-deciding clash. That means Marcelino may rotate—but even a weakened Villarreal side is still leagues above Levante. The pressure is on for Villarreal to stay sharp. For Levante? There’s only one direction left: down.Why This Matters Beyond the Points Table
This match isn’t just about three points. It’s about identity. Levante, once a mid-table staple with passionate fan support, now teeters on the edge of oblivion. Their youth academy is strong, but the first team is crumbling under the weight of poor recruitment and managerial instability. Villarreal, by contrast, are a model of modern Spanish football: data-driven, tactically flexible, and financially disciplined. If Levante go down, it won’t be because they lacked heart. It’ll be because they lack quality—and structure. For Villarreal, this game is a statement: they’re not just chasing the top four. They’re ready to fight for the title.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Levante UD struggling so badly at home?
Levante’s home form is the worst in La Liga this season: zero wins, five draws, and 10 losses at Estadi Ciutat de València. Their attack has dried up—averaging just 0.33 goals per home game—and their defense has collapsed, conceding 1.87 goals per match. Key players like Etta Eyong and Ivan Romero are reportedly seeking exits, and morale is low. The club has cycled through three managers this season, and the lack of tactical consistency has left players confused and disjointed.
How has Villarreal CF maintained such strong form?
Villarreal’s consistency stems from Marcelino Garcia’s disciplined system, which emphasizes high pressing, quick transitions, and defensive compactness. They’ve improved their shot conversion rate to 18.9%, up from 13.2% last season. Key contributors like Tajon Buchanan and Georges Mikautadze are thriving in wide roles, while Santi Comesana orchestrates play from midfield. Their defensive record—only 13 goals conceded in 15 games—is the best in La Liga, and their expected goals differential is +11.4, the third highest in the league.
What are the most reliable betting markets for this match?
The consensus among analysts is to bet on Villarreal to win (odds: -143 to -147), Over 2.5 Goals (available at 1.80), and Villarreal Over 1.5 Goals (1.75). These reflect Villarreal’s average of 2.1 goals per away game and Levante’s tendency to concede 2+ goals in 80% of their home matches. The 0-3 or 1-3 scoreline predictions from multiple sources make the Away Win & Over 2.5 Goals combo the strongest value play.
Could Levante pull off an upset?
An upset is statistically improbable. Levante haven’t won in 11 matches across all competitions. Their last home win over Villarreal was in 2023. Even in their best moments this season, they’ve failed to score more than once in 13 of their 15 games. Villarreal have won their last six league matches by an average margin of 2.2 goals. Unless Levante’s defense suddenly improves and Villarreal suffers a collective mental collapse, the outcome is predictable.
How does this match impact Villarreal’s title chances?
A win would take Villarreal to 37 points, just five behind leaders Real Madrid and three behind second-place Real Sociedad. With a game in hand and a favorable run-in—including the December 21 clash against Barcelona—they’re in serious title contention. Their goal difference (+18) is the best among the top four, and their away record (6W-3L-1D) is the most consistent in La Liga. This match is a critical stepping stone, not just for confidence, but for momentum heading into the December derby.
What happens if Levante gets relegated?
Relegation would trigger a financial crisis for Levante, with projected losses exceeding €25 million in lost TV revenue and sponsorship. Key players like Etta Eyong and Ivan Romero are expected to leave, and the club may be forced to sell their training complex to balance the books. The club’s youth academy, once a source of pride, could lose funding. Without a major ownership overhaul or a strategic rebuild, Levante could face a prolonged stay in the second tier—something unthinkable for a club that reached the Europa League final as recently as 2021.
