By Matt Smith
Those who are neutral and planning on tuning in to this one will be desperate to see a repeat of this same fixture last season. A 4-4 draw was played out on Villarreal’s home turf back in May last year, with all the goals coming within the first 56 minutes. Madrid did, however, win the most recent meeting, securing a 2-0 victory at home earlier this season.
Team News
A little rotation wouldn’t be a surprise for Madrid in this one considering they played 120 minutes on Wednesday evening. In terms of injuries, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Dani Ceballos, and Ferland Mendy are all unavailable for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Kiko Femenía, Ilias Akhomach, and Gerard Moreno were all out injured in Villarreal’s previous match, and they are unlikely to return to face Madrid this weekend.
Villarreal need to bounce back
Villarreal have been in impressive form as they continue to push for the Champions League places. Marcelino’s side were previously unbeaten in six games, but then suffered a disappointing defeat away to relegation-threatened Deportivo Alavés last time out.
Alavés ended the game with nine men, but Villarreal couldn’t find a way through as they succumbed to a 1-0 loss. Ignoring Barcelona and Real Madrid, Villarreal have created more big chances, expected goals (xG), and scored more goals than any other side in LaLiga this season.
Inconsistency growing for Madrid
Competing in multiple competitions could be taking its toll on Madrid when it comes to their league form. Ancelotti’s men have won just twice in their last five fixtures in the league, with Barcelona sitting a place above them going in to the weekend.
Madrid are frightening going forward when Ancelotti is able to play his best side, creating 53.3 expected goals in 27 league games so far this season. A win could see Madrid climb above Barcelona if the Catalan outfit lose or draw, but Hansi Flick’s side will still have a game in hand.
Mbappé the difference-maker
It’s been an impressive start to life in Madrid for Kylian Mbappé, providing 21 goals and assists in LaLiga this term. The French forward has been in unstoppable form since the turn of the year, domestically speaking, only failing to provide a goal contribution in three matches in 2025.
Madrid’s front four of Vinicíus Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Mbappé is up there with the best in the world at the moment, and Villarreal are going to have to be at their best to keep them quiet if Ancelotti starts the quartet once again.
Prediction
Tired legs could creep in with Madrid playing midweek and Villarreal having seven days rest, but Ancelotti’s men are in a seriously competitive race for the title.
We’re going for a 2-1 victory for Madrid in what will be a tight encounter.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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