5 things we learned from gameweek 14 in La Liga

#3 Villarreal are not delivering in the big games

The Yellow Submarines need to up their game against the big sides

Following the sack of former coach Fran Escribá after the mauling by Getafe, El Submarino Amarillo (The Yellow Submarine) have had a decent run under new coach Javier Calleja.

However, the side has faltered in games against the big teams in La Liga and will have to improve to be able to get that coveted UEFA Champions League spot.

While there have been some credible results; a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano and another 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao, there have been three-goal margin losses to Real Sociedad (0-3) and Sevilla CF (2-3).

These kinds of results can be blamed on the fact that except in the game against Sevilla, the team has adopted a more defensive approach inviting the opposition to attack.

Coach Calleja will have to get the team to play to its strengths against high calibre opposition. Villarreal are a better team when they are on the front foot and in players like Cedric Bakambu, Nicola Sansone, and Samu Castillejo, they have the players needed to hurt the opposition.

Next up is a visit from league leaders FC Barcelona and with the news that Samuel Umtiti will be out for the Catalans means there is a chance that Barca can be hurt if Villarreal plays to their strengths.