Despite coming from a city of just 50,000 inhabitants, Villarreal outperforms their weight in Europe and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2006. However, can he call up his 11th starter at the moment with Arsenal?
Under the direction of Manuel Pellegrini, Villarreal had put together a talented team capable of combining it with the groups of Spain. And, after beating Everton in the qualifiers, they reached the Champions League for the first time in 2005-06.
They remained unbeaten in the organisational stages, completing at the top of a segment that included Manchester United, and beat Rangers and Inter Milan to triumph in the final four.
Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal went their way and the Yellow Submarine suffered a 1-0 defeat in the first leg after Kolo Touré’s goal.
Villarreal besieged Arsenal’s goal in today’s match, with Jens Lehmann forced to make several saves.
A clear Argentine midfielder, a key part of Pellegrini’s team, had the chance to send the equaliser into extra time but his weak penalty saved by Lehmann and Arsenal qualified for the final in Paris.
It is a heartbreaking night for Villarreal and we ask you to call the XI pellegrini summoned for the April 2006 match. We’ll be inspired if you can call them all.
The time to beat from our is 06:31.
If this makes you feel like a quiz, check out the 30 most sensible goalscorers in Champions League history.
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