### Villarreal's Record in Away Matches: A Tale of Success and Failure
Villarreal Football Club, one of the most successful teams in La Liga history, has always been known for its dominance on home soil. However, their away performances have often left fans puzzled and questioning their true strength as a team. This article aims to delve into Villarreal's record in away matches, exploring both periods of success and failure.
#### The Early Years (1990s-2000s)
During the early years of Villarreal's rise to prominence, they were particularly dominant at home but struggled on the road. Their first major win away from home was in 1995 against Valencia, but it would be another decade before they broke through with regular success. In the late 1990s, they had several close losses away from home, including a disappointing draw against Barcelona in 1998 and a defeat against Real Madrid in 1999.
#### Mid-Decade Period (2000s-2010s)
In the mid-decade period, Villarreal made significant strides in improving their away form. They began winning more away games than they did at home, thanks to improved tactics and player development. Under manager Jose Mourinho, Villarreal started to establish themselves as a formidable force away from home. They won five consecutive away league titles between 2006 and 2010, including victories over top teams like Manchester City and Arsenal.
#### Recent Successes (2010s-2020s)
Since the turn of the millennium, Villarreal's away record has continued to improve. Under coach Unai Emery, they have become even more dominant on the road. They have won six consecutive away league titles since 2014, including impressive victories over Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. Their ability to perform consistently away from home has earned them respect across Europe and cemented their status as one of the best teams in La Liga.
#### Challenges and Controversies
Despite their recent successes, Villarreal's away record has not always been flawless. There have been some controversial decisions and failures that have affected their reputation away from home. For example, they suffered a disappointing loss against Bayern Munich in 2017 and had a difficult time in the Champions League group stage against Real Madrid in 2018. These setbacks highlight the challenges that come with playing away from home and the importance of maintaining consistency and resilience.
#### Conclusion
Villarreal's record in away matches is a testament to their adaptability and ability to perform well regardless of the location. While they have faced challenges and controversies away from home, their overall performance has been consistent and impressive. As they continue to develop and compete on the international stage, their ability to perform well away from home will remain a key factor in their success.