Real Madrid made a great start to the season but have not been in their best form for their last two games, including in the La Liga and Champions League. The Los Blancos had a 1-1 draw in their recent league game against Atletico Madrid before suffering a shock defeat in the UEFA Champions League against LOSC Lille.
Real Madrid are now desperate to get back on the winning track and will host Villarreal tonight at Santiago Bernabeu to play their 9th league match. Villarreal have been doing great this season in La Liga, standing in 3rd with only one point behind Real Madrid. This match is a huge opportunity for the visitors to overtake Real Madrid in the league table.
However, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti takes this match as an opportunity, although he knows it will not be an easy game. Ancelotti said, “Villarreal are doing very well, and they position themselves well on the pitch. They’re playing at their best level. It’ll be a tough game, but it’s an opportunity to get back to our best and try to reconnect and get back to playing good football in front of our fans.“
Stats & Facts
- Despite being the heavyweight, Real Madrid have won only one of their last six meetings with Villarreal in La Liga. Meanwhile, Villarreal won two and tied the remaining three matches.
- 17 of the 48 previous matches between Real Madrid and Villarreal ended in a draw. It is Real Madrid’s highest draw percentage against a single opponent in La Liga.
- Real Madrid have not lost any of the league games since 2023. They have been unbeaten in 40 La Liga matches – the second-highest unbeaten run for a team in La Liga.
- Villarreal are unbeaten in their last six away matches in La Liga.
Team News
Real Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will miss the match due to his hip injury. Therefore, Andriy Lunin will replace him between the posts. Eder Militao has recovered from injury but still remains in doubt.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe is expected to play tonight after he recovered from a slight knock. But he was not called up for for the upcoming international games for France, which was pretty surprising.
As for the visitors, they will be without Willy Kambwala, Gerard Moreno, Juan Foyth, and Alfonso Pedraza due to injuries. Additionally, Denis Suarez and Ayoze Perez are uncertain with their fitness issues.
Possible Lineup for Real Madrid:
Lunin; Carvajal, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius
Possible Lineup for Villarreal:
Conde; Femenia, Bailly, Costa, S Cardona; Akhomach, Parejo, Gueye, Baena; Barry, Pepe
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Villarreal
Following the shocking defeat in the Champions League against Lille, Real Madrid are desperate to get their winning momentum. Luckily, Kylian Mbappe is available to play tonight, and Carlo Ancelotti does not have to worry about his attacking trio.
As the home team, Real Madrid have a good chance to win this match. Yet Villarreal can be a great threat to Real Madrid. We expect an intense fight between the two sides, and Real Madrid would be the ultimate winner.
Betfair Odds
Real Madrid: 1.29
Draw: 6.70
Villarreal: 10.50
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