For many Valencia supporters, their biggest local rivals are not city neighbours Levante, but Villarreal. Even though the two clubs are separated by 57 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline, this rivalry has blossomed in recent years and they’ll meet again on Matchday 36 of the 2017/18 LaLiga season.
Europe on the line
The right to be seen as the best team in the Valencian Community is up for grabs. Both clubs are very proud of the region they represent; in fact they both feature the red and yellow of the Valencian flag on their club crests. Even though Valencia currently sit above Villarreal in the LaLiga table, it was the team nicknamed 'The Yellow Submarine' who took home the bragging rights last time these sides met, claiming a 1-0 away victory at Mestalla.
Another victory would be as delicious as a Valencian orange for Villarreal and for their fanbase, and go a long way to helping the side qualify for next season's Europa League. Valencia have had an excellent campaign and are already set to play in next season’s Champions League but Villarreal’s European status is still to be confirmed; they’ll need every point they can muster between now and the end of the season.
A star-studded spine vs. a magical midfield
Valencia’s impressive season has been down to consistently strong performances from the team's core, from goalkeeper Neto and midfield captain Dani Parejo to dynamic wingers Carlos Soler and Gonçalo Guedes and in-form strikers Simone Zaza and Rodrigo.
Villarreal, meanwhile, boast one of the very best midfields in LaLiga with Rodri Hernández, Manu Trigueros, Samu Castillejo and Pablo Fornals forming a dynamic midfield diamond. Upfront, the experienced Colombian international Carlos Bacca is the side’s main goalscoring threat.
Villarreal challenge Valencia's historical dominance
This derby is a relatively recent phenomenon. Valencia have a storied LaLiga history, having won the league championship on six occasions, but Villarreal have spent the majority of their history in the lower leagues, only securing a first promotion to the top flight in 1998.
However, backed by businessman Fernando Roig, the brother of former Valencia president Paco Roig, the club quickly grew into a side capable of competing with their local rivals. The Yellow Submarine reached the semi-finals of the 2005/06 Champions League and have finished above Valencia in LaLiga on many occasions in recent years, including in 2004/05, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2013/14, 2015/16 and 2016/17.
At first many Valencia fans welcomed the arrival of Villarreal as a LaLiga regular, but with the success of their neighbours to the north threatening their standing as the region's top dog this fixture has taken on extra importance. Add in the memory of Valencia knocking Villarreal out of the 2003/04 Europa League semi-finals and you've got a true local rivalry on your hands.
A local derby known all over the world
Valencia, as one of the most legendary teams in LaLiga history, have conquered the hearts of supporters across the globes with fan clubs ranging from London to Moscow. Villarreal, meanwhile, have attracted many international fans in such a short period of time thanks to their amazing success story, their unique all-yellow kit and a series of iconic players such as Argentina's Juan Roman Riquelme and France's World Cup-winner Robert Pires.
