Villarreal Club de Futbol is based in Villa Real a small suburb of Castellón de la Plana. They play at the 25,000 seater El Madrigal stadium. Their famous rivals are Valencia CF and their derbies are one of the most exciting in the Primera Liga.
Villarreal made its first breakthrough in the 1990's after spending the previous two decades between the second and third divisions. But the club has retained its well-earned place in the first division in La Liga since 1999.
In 2003, Villarreal won its first European trophy in the Intertoto Cup, which also provided its ticket to the UEFA Cup the following year, where the team reached the semi-finals. In 2004, they reached the quarter finals of the UEFA Cup and finished third in the league - a remarkable achievement for a club that competes with the 'richer' clubs of Barcelona and Real Madrid. In 2006, Villarreal reached the quarter finals of the Champions League again, and established themsleves as a side to be feared in Europe.
The 2007/08 season was a season to be remembered as a 2nd place finish meant automatic qualification into the Champions League, proving that it is a truly world-class club.
El Madrigal stadium was renovated in 2005 and is considered to be one of the best in Europe. The trainnig ground has a huge soccer complex that features 8 fields, including three grass pitches and a new generation artificial grass pitch. There are ample medical facilities, a gym and a hydromassage centre.
People to Watch: Robert Pires Marcos Senna Giuseppe Rossi Joan Capdevia
Academy:
Villarreal's Academy is the bedrock of the club and its successes. It was created once its training ground was built and has served to feed the club with quality players for the first team and consistently produces a quality youth squad ever since. Young players from Spain and abroad live in residence and receive tutoring from a dedicated educator as well as attending a local school.
There are three grass football pitches, two astro-turf pitches and three five and seven a-side astro-turf pitches.
Transport Access : Villarreal is located in a small town of the same name in Castellon, along Spain's most unspoilt coastal stretch, between Barcelona and Valencia. Valencia airport is only 35 minutes away and the other beautiful city of Barcelona can be reached in 1 1/2 hours.
Out and About: Located on the coast, Villarreal is an idyllic spot for relaxing and taking advantage of leisure activities centred around the beach. Inspiresport's partner hotel, Hotel Orange in Benicasim is only 250 metres from one of the best beaches in this most unspoilt stretch of coastline.
Valencia is only a 50 minute drive away and is Spain's third largest city with a strong historic centre and thriving 'authentic' Spanish culture.
Barcelona is arguably one of Europe's most exciting cities. Take a stroll down the Ramblas on market day for a feel of the city, visit the historic squares, churches and monuments in the districts on either side of the ramblas or visit the houses, cathedral and park built by Barcelona's most famous architect, Antonio Gaudi, one of the most original designers of the 19/20th centuries.
Off the tourist route, the beautiful city of Tarragona is easily accessible from Villarreal. Tarragona features its own, more sedate Ramblas and boasts a surprisingly important historic centre and cathedral for a city of its size.
