Villarreal news

Hansi Flick is targeting another 100 matches as Barcelona head coach ahead of his milestone game against Villarreal. The German tactician addressed his long-term future, the challenge of facing Newcastle United in the Champions League, and navigating the club's current electoral transition, demanding a relentless winning mentality from his squad.

Villarreal manager Marcelino has added a touch of spice to the build-up of his side's daunting trip to face Barcelona in La Liga, hinting at lingering frustrations over officiating and controversial calls. As they aim to solidify their position in the top three, Marcelino is focusing on the fine margins, tactical discipline, and past precedents that could help his team shock the league leaders in their own formidable fortress.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has officially confirmed that the Spanish top flight remains committed to taking regular-season fixtures across the Atlantic. The outspoken league chief made it clear that despite previous setbacks and significant opposition from various stakeholders, the dream of staging a competitive Spanish match on American soil is very much alive.

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, who now plays in Spain for Villarreal, has been charged with two new counts of rape. The 32-year-old, who severed ties with the Gunners in the summer of 2025 when reaching the end of his contract and becoming a free agent, faces trial in November after denying allegations of raping two women and sexually assaulting a third.

U.S. Men's National Team full back Alex Freeman made his Villarreal debut on Monday in a 4-1 win over Espanyol, entering the match as a substitute for his first appearance in Europe. The now-former Orlando City star joined Villarreal during the January transfer window after a breakout 2025 with the national team.

Ahead of the transfer window closing, GOAL grades the USMNT-related deals completed during January.

Atletico Madrid, Aston Villa, Monaco and Villarreal are among the clubs interested in signing Real Salt Lake star Zavier Gozo, sources tell GOAL. The winger, who has represented the U.S. up to the U-23 level, could be on the move in the summer for a transfer fee somewhere close to a club-record fee.

GOAL spoke with the American in January to reflect on a whirlwind 2025 as he prepares for an even bigger 2026

Villarreal have completed the signing of U.S. international Alex Freeman on a deal that lasts through 2032. The 21-year-old arrives from Orlando City after a breakout season, as the Yellow Submarine add a full back viewed as ready to compete immediately in LaLiga. The Yellow Submarine are currently fourth in the Spanish top flight.

The Champions League league phase drew to a predictably chaotic conclusion on Wednesday, with all of the matchday eight fixtures kicking-off at the same time. The net result was numerous positional changes over the course of 90-plus minutes of madness, though the highlight was undoubtedly Anatoliy Trubin scoring a last-second header to keep Benfica in the competition.