Expect Racing to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1, with Julen Agirrezabala in goal and a back four of Eriksson, Mantilla, Felipe, and Salinas. The double pivot of Puerta and Gueye will try to screen the defence, while Martín, Canales, and Vicente operate behind Villalibre. That is a side built to sit in, stay compact, and hit on the break. Canales is the key creative spark, but he will be starved of time and space against a Villarreal midfield that presses in packs. Racing will likely drop into a low block, inviting pressure and hoping to nick something on the counter or from a set-piece.

Villarreal will mirror the 4-2-3-1 shape, with Júnior in goal and a back four of Mouriño, Foyth, Veiga, and Romero. Comesaña and Gueye anchor the midfield, giving license to Pepe, Moreno, and Moleiro to roam behind Mikautadze. This is a side that loves to keep the ball, move it quickly through the lines, and exploit the half-spaces. Moreno, despite his injury struggles, still finished with 10 goals in 22 league outings last season — he is a proven finisher at this level. The visitors will dominate possession, force Racing deep, and look to break them down with patience and precision. The game state is clear: Villarreal will have the ball, Racing will chase shadows.