Match Overview

This eighth-round fixture will see Real Madrid host Villarreal on October 4 at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu stadium. This preview offers an in-depth match prediction, including betting odds and key statistics for the Real Madrid vs Villarreal clash.

Real Madrid Team Analysis

Current Form and Standings

The Madrid giants recently suffered their first defeat of the current championship season, losing significantly (2-5) in the derby against Atlético in the previous round. This setback cost Real their top spot, as the club dropped to 2nd place in the standings, now trailing their main rivals, Barcelona. Real Madrid also ranks second in the league’s scoring charts, with 16 goals, behind Barcelona’s 21. It’s worth noting that the capital club has secured victories in all 3 of its home matches in the current Primera División season, boasting an aggregate goal difference of 5:1. 

Key Statistics for Real Madrid

• Real Madrid’s intense championship run spans 21 matches, featuring 17 wins and 4 losses.
• The team has been on a scoring streak in for 23 consecutive matches, netting at least twice in their last 6 outings.
• At their home ground, the Madrid side has maintained a winning run across 7 fixtures.

Real Madrid’s Projected Line-up (4-4-2)*

Expected Starting XI

Thibaut Courtois – Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras – Arda Güler, Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Vinícius Júnior – Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham.

Villarreal Team Analysis

Current Form and Standings

Villarreal has achieved their third consecutive victory in , defeating Athletic Club 1-0 in their last outing. This impressive run has propelled the Valencian side to 3rd place in the Spanish championship standings, putting them just 2 points behind Real Madrid. Notably, Villarreal’s defense has been remarkably solid this season, conceding only 5 goals – a performance matched only by Barcelona. However, it’s important to mention that the team has earned merely 4 of their 16 points this Primera División season from away fixtures. 

Key Statistics for Villarreal

• The Valencian team has secured victories in 11 of their last 13 encounters (with 1 draw and 1 loss).
• Fewer than 4 goals have been scored in the last 3 matches involving the club in this competition.
• Villarreal has conceded goals in 21 of their last 23 away matches in the Spanish championship.

Villarreal’s Projected Line-up (4-4-2)*

Expected Starting XI

Luís Júnior – Santiago Mouriño, Rafa Marín, Renato Veiga, Sergi Cardona – Ilias Akhomach, Thomas Partey, Pape Gueye, Manor Solomon – Nicolas Pépé, Georges Mikautadze.

Match Prediction: Real Madrid vs Villarreal

Real Madrid’s Recent Performance

Xabi Alonso’s men suffered a significant setback in the Madrid derby during the last round, completely faltering in the second half where they conceded three goals. Even in the first half of that match, Alonso’s team allowed two goals, matching the total they had conceded in their previous six games combined. This misstep brought an end to Real’s nine-match winning streak in the Spanish championship and cost them their top position. Nevertheless, the Madrid side has already partially redeemed themselves in front of their fans this week, with a dominant 5-0 victory over Kairat in the Champions League, placing them among the leaders in Europe’s most prestigious club competition. However, facing their upcoming opponent, the hosts are unlikely to experience such an easy triumph. 

Villarreal’s Strong Challenge

Villarreal is enjoying a successful run in the current season and is actively chasing the Madrid side in the league standings. Furthermore, over a more extended period, the Valencian team has shown exceptional form in the Spanish championship, clinching victories in 11 of their last 13 matches. Historically, Villarreal has also proven to be a tough opponent for the capital club, having avoided defeat by more than a single goal in 16 of their last 18 head-to-head encounters in . 

Final Prediction

I anticipate that this time too, the Valencian squad will put up a strong fight against the powerhouse, which, as their initial championship match against a formidable opponent demonstrated, is far from flawless. My prediction is “Villarreal with a handicap of (+1.5)” with odds of 1.73   

Line-up Note

* The starting lineup listed for each team is from their previous match in this tournament.