We do not have confirmed lineups or formations from the brief, so we are working off the expected pictures. Villarreal, under their usual approach, are likely to set up in a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3, looking to dominate possession and play through the thirds. They have technical midfielders who can knit play together, and wide players who can stretch a defence. Racing, by contrast, will probably sit in a low block, maybe a 4-4-1-1 or a 4-5-1, looking to stay compact and hit on the break. That is the classic underdog script.

The midfield battle will be key. Villarreal's double pivot should control the tempo, while Racing will try to make it a dogfight, scrapping for second balls and forcing errors. The wide areas are where the visitors can really hurt the hosts. If Villarreal get their full-backs high and their wingers isolated in one-on-ones, they will create chances. Racing will need to be disciplined, narrow, and ready to defend for long spells.

Set pieces could be Racing's best route to a goal. A corner or a free-kick into the box, a bit of chaos, and suddenly the underdog has something to hold onto. But Villarreal are used to breaking down stubborn defences. They have the patience and the quality to find a way through. The likely game state is Villarreal dominating possession, Racing soaking up pressure, and the visitors eventually finding the breakthrough.