Real Madrid return to La Liga action on Saturday night with a crucial clash against Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica. After their dramatic Champions League penalty-shootout victory over Atlético Madrid, Los Blancos shift focus back to the domestic title race, where they sit second, level on points with Barcelona, who have a game in hand.
Villarreal, meanwhile, continue their chase for a top-four finish. Currently fifth, they are five points behind Athletic Bilbao in the battle for Champions League qualification. A disappointing 1-0 loss to Alavés last weekend halted their six-game unbeaten streak, making this a must-win fixture if they want to stay in contention for a top-four spot.
Villarreal: Searching for a Response
Villarreal have been an entertaining side this season, scoring 48 goals—more than any team outside the top two. However, their defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern, with 36 goals conceded, the most among the league’s top eight. Their backline will need to be at its best against a Madrid attack boasting world-class talent.
At home, the Yellow Submarine have been formidable, losing just twice all season. However, their record against Madrid is far from encouraging, with just six wins in 52 previous meetings. That said, their last encounter ended in an exhilarating 4-4 draw, proving they have the firepower to trouble Los Blancos.
Head coach Marcelino will likely stick with most of the side that featured in the defeat to Alavés but may tweak his attack. With Gerard Moreno and Ilias Akhomach unavailable due to injuries, Thierno Barry is in contention to replace Nicolás Pépé, who struggled last time out. Meanwhile, Dani Parejo and Álex Baena will be key in midfield as they look to control possession and dictate the tempo.
Real Madrid: Managing Fatigue Amid Title Push
Carlo Ancelotti’s side come into this fixture after a physically demanding 120-minute battle against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League. While they emerged victorious on penalties, the toll of that game could impact their performance this weekend.
Despite periods of inconsistency, Madrid have shown their ability to grind out results, most recently with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano. With a tough schedule ahead—including key fixtures against Leganés in La Liga and Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey—Ancelotti will be mindful of squad rotation while ensuring his team secures all three points.
Team News
Villarreal will have to cope without key attacking players Gerard Moreno and Ilias Akhomach, both of whom remain sidelined with injuries. Full-back Kiko Femenía is also a doubt, though the team has not reported any fresh fitness concerns in the build-up to the game. Marcelino may opt to make one change in attack, with Thierno Barry potentially replacing Nicolás Pépé, who failed to impress against Alavés.
Real Madrid continue to struggle with injuries, with Ferland Mendy the latest name to join the list after picking up a muscular issue against Atlético Madrid. He joins Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Dani Ceballos, and Jesús Vallejo on the sidelines. Ancelotti is expected to rotate his squad, with Fran García coming in at left-back and Lucas Vázquez filling in at right-back. Luka Modrić may also be given a rest, but Madrid’s attacking trio of Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Kylian Mbappé is expected to start once again.
Predicted Line-ups
Villarreal (4-4-2):
Conde; Foyth, Kambwala, Costa, S. Cardona; Pino, Gueye, Parejo, Baena; Barry, Pérez.
Real Madrid (4-3-3):
Courtois; Vázquez, Asencio, Rüdiger, F. García; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinícius.
