Ligue 1 will be represented in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Unfortunately not with PSG or any of its other clubs but with Villarreal and its half-dozen well-known faces in France. Trained by Unai Emery, the Spanish club has several former players from the French championship in its ranks: Étienne Capoue, Serge Aurier, Giovani Lo Celso, Geronimo Rulli and Aïssa Mandi. With the exception of the latter, they all played Tuesday evening in the draw snatched on the lawn of Bayern Munich (1-1) to allow the “yellow submarine”, the nickname of Villarreal, to join the last four of the C1 for the second time in its history after 2006.
Unai Emery, Europe in the genes
It is only with PSG that the Basque technician failed to play a semi-final of the European Cup. Undoubtedly eternal regrets for Unai Emery but the time is not to rehash the past for a man who will soon play a seventh European semi-final, the first in the Champions League. After winning the Europa League (C3) last season with Villarreal, this time he takes the 7th in Liga to the semi-finals of the C1. A small feat for a team from a city of 50,000 inhabitants. With Valencia, Sevilla, Arsenal then Villarreal, Unai Emery has already won 4 Europa Leagues and played in 6 semi-finals. On the way to a new success?
Giovani Lo Celso, matured
How long ago the time when the Argentinian played as a sentry during a knockout round of the Champions League with PSG (2016-2018) at the Santiago-Bernabeu stadium… All under the orders of Unai Emery. But it is under the rule of the Basque that the midfielder has been continuing his apprenticeship at 26 since last January. On loan from Tottenham after two and a half years in England, Lo Celso continues to shine with his versatility in midfield. In this quarter-final, he was decisive in the first leg (1-0) and played all 180 minutes. An essential element for Villarreal.
Étienne Capoue, the indestructible
The former Toulouse player (2005-2013) has become a centerpiece of the Yellow Submarine. French international (7 selections), Capoue has allowed Villarreal since 2021 to find balance in the midfield from his sentry position. Indisputable holder, the 33-year-old also knows how to project himself towards the opposing surface. In the round of 16 first leg against Juventus (1-1), he delivered an assist after scoring two goals in the Champions League group stage. He will play his first career European semi-final.
Geronimo Rulli, guardian of the temple
Montpellier supporters have not forgotten him. On loan from Real Sociedad in 2019-2020, the Argentinian goalkeeper had had a good season in the colors of MHSC before it was stopped due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Returning to San Sebastian, the porter was finally sold to Villarreal in the summer of 2020. A club with which Rulli distinguished himself week after week. On February 12, he disgusted the Real Madrid attackers (0-0) in the league. Against Bayern, he resisted to join his first European semi-final.
Serge Aurier, at the revival
Free of any contract after four seasons at Tottenham (2017-2021), the Ivorian joined Villarreal last fall. Trained in Lens (2006-2012), passed by Toulouse (2012-2015) and of course the PSG (2015-2017), Serge Aurier brings his experience to the Spanish formation. Rarely starting (9 times this season out of 17 games in total), the right side remains appreciated by Unai Emery. C1 finalist with Tottenham in 2019, he once again has the opportunity to get closer to the title.
Aïssa Mandi, Champagne in Spain
After completing all his training in Reims and then his professional debut (2009-2016), the 30-year-old Algerian international joined Betis Sevilla in 2016. Brilliant in Andalusia in central defense, Aïssa Mandi signed freely with Villarreal at the start of the season. Third in the hierarchy in the axis, the Champenois played only 24 minutes in the Champions League. He plays more regularly in the league (11 starts). At the start of the season, Mandi missed a shot on goal during the European Super Cup against Chelsea (7-6 pens defeat). He may have the opportunity for a rematch in the coming weeks.
