Villarreal - SSC Napoli

Villarreal look to recover from their opening European defeat as they host SSC Napoli at Estadio de la Ceramica on 13 October 2026 for matchday 2 of the Champions League. The hosts enter this encounter following a narrow loss to Real Madrid, aiming to integrate an expected XI featuring Georges Mikautadze and Tani Oluwaseyi in attack. With Nicolas Pepe and Tajon Buchanan sidelined, the home side must find defensive stability to contain a visiting attack led by Rasmus Hoejlund and Noa Lang.

SSC Napoli arrive with momentum after a dominant league victory over Frosinone, though they are managing significant absences including Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. The visitors are looking to bounce back from their own Champions League opening defeat to Arsenal. History between these two sides includes a competitive Europa League knockout tie in 2016, where Villarreal edged the contest, adding a layer of intrigue to this latest European meeting.