Villarreal vs Hercules CF preview - Gaspar eager to end winless streak

Posted Wednesday, March 02, 2011 by PA

Villarreal full-back Mario Gaspar hopes his side can secure the points they need to qualify for next season's Champions League as soon as possible.

The Yellow Submarine secured a 2-2 draw at Racing Santander on Sunday thanks to Nilmar's late strike, but Juan Carlos Garrido's side have failed to win any of their last four games and have dropped to fourth place in the Primera Division.

Nevertheless, they are still seven points clear of fifth-placed Espanyol with 13 games remaining.

"The sooner we get the points to qualify for the Champions League, the better," Mario said.

Villarreal now host Hercules in a midweek Primera Division clash on Wednesday and the defender insists his side need to return to winning ways.

"I'm convinced we have to go out and try and win the game because if not, we will allow the teams behind us to get closer to us and things will become complicated," he said.

"We're relaxed and we want to stay that way; that's why we have to start winning points three by three again."

Hercules, who will be without injured trio Royston Drenthe, Nelson Haedo Valdez and Javier Farinos, are just two points clear of the relegation zone following Sunday's goalless draw at home to Getafe.

And coach Esteban Vigo expects a difficult match.

"I am concerned because Villarreal play very good football," he said.

"They play a lot of inside passes, just like Barcelona, but if we defend well and don't allow them the ball, we will create our opportunities."