**Villarreal's Unfortunate Away Record in the Current Season**
**Introduction**
Villarreal's 2023-2024 season has been a mixed bag of performances, with their away games standing out as a particular area of concern. Despite their overall competitive nature, the team has struggled mightily on the road, raising questions about their ability to maintain consistency in different environments. This article explores the root causes of their poor away form and its implications for the rest of the season and their European campaign.
**Poor Away Form**
Villarreal's away record this season has been nothing short of disappointing. Once a team known for their resilience on the road, they have recently suffered a series of unexpected defeats. Teams like Getafe and Osasuna, both mid-table outfits, have managed to secure victories against Villarreal, which is a stark contrast to their usual performance against higher-tier opposition. This poor form has seen them drop points in key fixtures, sliding down the league table despite their overall competitive spirit.
**Reasons Behind the Struggles**
The primary reasons for Villarreal's away struggles seem to be a combination of injuries and fatigue. Key players, including their star striker and midfielder, have been sidelined due to minor injuries, leaving gaps in their offensive and defensive setups. Additionally, the mental fatigue from a grueling schedule has taken its toll, with the team appearing less cohesive and focused during away games. Defensively, Villarreal has been vulnerable, conceding goals at an inconsistent rate, which has made it difficult to secure away victories.
**Impact on European Campaign**
Villarreal's poor form in away games has also had ripple effects on their European campaign. As a consistent performer in both the Champions League and Europa League, their performance in these tournaments is a reflection of their overall strength. However, with their away struggles, they have faced tougher opponents in European competitions, leading to unexpected defeats in crucial matches. This has put additional pressure on their manager, Unai Emilio, to find a solution to their away woes to secure a favorable position in the knockout stages.
**Conclusion**
Villarreal's away record this season is a cause for concern, but it's not the end of the road for them. With key players returning to full fitness and a renewed focus on their away performances, there's still time to turn things around. Addressing the defensive issues and managing fatigue will be crucial as the season progresses. For now, Villarreal's inconsistent away form serves as a reminder of the work needed to maintain their competitive edge, both domestically and in Europe. The coming months will be pivotal in determining whether they can bounce back and regain their lost momentum.