Tottenham Hotspur begin their Champions League campaign on Tuesday night by welcoming Villarreal to N17 for the very first time.
While these two sides have never faced off before, Spurs encounter plenty of familiar faces, including former defender Juan Foyth, as well as ex-Arsenal duo Thomas Partey and Nicolas Pépé.
Their previous Champions League journey ended miserably under Antonio Conte’s watch, and while Thomas Frank is new to this competition, the early signs suggest Spurs will be nightmare opponents for the continent’s aristocracy with the Dane at the helm.
Villarreal certainly don’t rank among the elite of the elite and are themselves returning to the Champions League following a brief absence. After finishing fifth in La Liga last season, Marcelino’s side have started 2025–26 positively. However, they suffered their first defeat away at Atlético Madrid on Saturday.
Spurs, meanwhile, bounced back from their defeat at home to Bournemouth by beating West Ham United 3–0.
Here isguide to Tuesday’s Champions League clash.






