**Villarreal Struggles to Maintain Form, Facing Europa League Tension in Recent League Matches**

**Introduction**

Villarreal, a consistent force in Spanish football, has recently faced challenges in maintaining their high standards, particularly in their domestic league. As they prepare for the intense competition of the Europa League, their recent struggles in La Liga have raised concerns among fans and analysts. This article explores the causes of Villarreal's form dip and what it means for their upcoming European campaign.

**League Struggles**

Villarreal's recent league performances have been inconsistent, with notable defeats and draws against teams they were previously dominant against. While their defense has historically been a strength, recent matches have seen lapses that have allowed opponents to capitalize. The inability to convert chances into goals has also been a recurring issue, with key players struggling to find their scoring form.

**Impact on Key Players**

The absence of star striker Gerard Moreno, who is recovering from injury, has left a gap in Villarreal's attacking arsenal. His replacement, Arnautic, has shown promise but lacks the same consistency and finishing ability. Meanwhile, defensive stalwarts like Pau Torres and Mario Gaspar have also faced criticism for their performances, with questions about their ability to maintain concentration under pressure.

**Defensive Concerns**

Villarreal's defensive solidity, once a hallmark of their success, has been compromised in recent matches. Mistakes in positioning and poor decisions have led to avoidable goals, putting additional strain on their goalkeeping duo of Emilio Martinez and Sergio Asenjo. The defensive issues have been exacerbated by an inability to control games, with Villarreal often falling behind before they can find their rhythm.

**Future Outlook**

With the Europa League knockout stages looming, Villarreal's recent form could not be more critical. A strong performance in Europe often depends on confidence and momentum, and their league struggles may carry over into their European campaign. However, Villarreal's experience and tactical acumen could help them turn things around. The pressure is on manager Unai Emery to find a way to inspire his side and address their defensive and attacking inconsistencies.

In conclusion, Villarreal's recent league struggles reflect both team-wide issues and the absence of key players. As they prepare for the Europa League, they will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and rediscover their attacking edge to stand any chance of success. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Villarreal can rise to the occasion and return to their dominant form.