Villarreal v Zürich background

Top of Group A after two games, Villarreal CF will look to take another step towards the UEFA Europa League round of 32 when they play host to FC Zürich.

Form guide
• Villarreal have won both of their home games in Europe this season 4-0.

• Zürich have lost each of their four previous contests with Spanish sides – all against Real Madrid CF – and have yet to score in Spain.

• Zürich won their first UEFA Cup group stage away game – 2-1 at AC Sparta Praha in 2007/08 – but have not won a UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League group stage match on the road since (D1 L4).

Trivia and links
• Left-back Alain Nef is the only Zürich player with Spanish Liga experience; he played eight games for relegation-bound RC Recreativo de Huelva while on loan from Udinese Calcio in 2008/09.

• Villarreal's 4-0 win against Apollon Limassol FC was their eighth consecutive home victory, group stage to final, in the UEFA Europa League. Should they be triumphant in their remaining two group games at El Madrigal, they will match the all-time competition record of ten, held jointly by Club Atlético de Madrid and SL Benfica.

The coaches
• An attacking midfielder in the Spanish top flight with Real Sporting de Gijón, Villarreal coach Marcelino started coaching early after retiring due to injury aged 28. In charge at El Madrigal since 2013, he has also overseen RC Recreativo de Huelva, Real Racing Club, Real Zaragoza and Sevilla FC.

• Marcelino missed his side's 4-0 success against Apollon on matchday two following the death of his father, with his assistant Rubén Uría taking command in his absence.

• Not to be confused with the famous Swiss referee with whom he shares a name, Zürich coach Urs Meier was a defender for the likes of FC Schaffhausen, AC Bellinzona and Grasshopper Club before moving into coaching. Briefly in charge of the Liechtenstein national team, he took control of his hometown club in 2012, having thrived at the helm of their youth side.