Of all the Champions League playoff round ties, perhaps the most intriguing is that between Villarreal and Monaco. These sides are regular fixtures in European competition, though have qualified only inconsistently for Europe's top club competition. Monaco's last appearance came two seasons ago; they were beaten at this round by Villarreal's near neighbours Valencia last August, and were made to settle for a place in the Europa League group stages. They won't want to suffer the same fate again.
Villarreal vs. Monaco 2016 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch Champions League online
Villarreal welcome Monaco to El Madrigal for the first leg of their Champions League playoff.
Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
Villarreal, meanwhile, are looking to return to action in the Champions League proper for the first time in four years. The intervening period has certainly been a rollercoaster, but they’re very much on the up once again. Their run to last season’s Europa League semifinal -- where they were eventually felled by runners-up Liverpool -- suggested that they’re ready to return to the biggest domestic stage of all. They’ll be hoping to avoid conceding any away goals in the first leg at El Madrigal on Wednesday.
Key player: Fabinho (Monaco)
He may not be the most ostensibly exciting of footballers, but Monaco’s Fabinho is one of the rising stars of the game. Under the careful guidance of coach Leonardo Jardim, the 22-year-old Brazilian has been transformed from a right-back to a sturdy defensive midfielder, reportedly attracting the interest of Manchester United among others. If Monaco are to make it to the Champions League, they’ll need Fabinho to be on top form.
Key matchup: Samu Castillejo vs. Djibril Sidibé
With Fabinho having been shifted from right-back to central midfield, Monaco sensibly moved to sign a replacement full-back this summer. They settled on former Lille man Djibril Sidibé, who signed a five-year deal with the club back in July. He heads into the season on fine form, and fared well enough over the last year to claw his way into contention for Didier Deschamps’ France squad at Euro 2016. He’ll have his hands full in this match, as he goes up against 21-year-old Villarreal winger Samu Castillejo, already a first-team fixture and a player who seems destined for stardom. It should be a fascinating battle.
Villarreal injuries and suspensions
Out: Roberto Soldado (knee); Denis Cheryshev (thigh); Nicola Sansone (unregistered); Cristian Espinoza (Olympics). In doubt: Jonathan dos Santos (leg).
Monaco injuries and suspensions
Out: Morgan de Sanctis (rib); Kylian Mbappé (concussion). In doubt: Radamel Falcao (hamstring).
Villarreal will be without a handful of familiar faces, including injured pair Soldado and Cheryshev, and the absent summer signings Sansone and Espinoza. However, they’ll hope to have midfielder dos Santos back in time to play. Monaco could be without veteran Italian shot-stopper de Sanctis and teenage talent Mbappé, though most concerning is the potential absence of Falcao with a hamstring strain.
Match date/time: Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: El Madrigal, Vila-real, Spain
TV: Fox Sports Florida (US - English); ESPN Deportes+ (US - Spanish); TSN5, RDS 2 (Canada)
Online: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go (US); TSN live streaming (Canada)
See More:
