Villarreal coach Unai Emery says they’re underdogs facing Champions League opponents Juventus.
The first-leg of the round 16 tie will be held in Spain on Tuesday night.
The Yellow Submarine finished second in Group F behind Manchester United to make it this far, while Juve topped Group H ahead of reigning champions Chelsea.
Emery said, “Juventus require respect in these senses, because of their history. They are one of the best Italian teams, with Champions League experience, and on an individual level for players who maintain these levels.
“Vlahovic scored 17 goals in Florence with Fiorentina, he is of the highest level. He has great skills, he’s young, he can score, he’s hungry to play and win. That’s the level we want to challenge.
“A short time ago, when we were talking about Vlahovic, I was saying this: it’s better to play against them, it’s better to play against everyone available. They’re favourites but we’re not giving up, we’re capable of overcoming teams of an excellent level and we’ll do it again tomorrow.”
He continued: “They can keep a very high defence and they are very strong in the defensive phase but also in the build-up play that prevents you from creating chances.
“We will have to look for new schemes and spaces towards the goal, we are preparing the 90 minutes of tomorrow and those of Turin, or possible extra time and penalties, with a very wide vision. We will do everything to win, opportunities and skills are there, we have to do it.”
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