Real Madrid host Villarreal in a highly anticipated La Liga 2024/25 clash at the Santiago Bernabeu this Sunday. Both teams are off to strong starts in the league, and with only a point separating them, this matchup promises to be crucial for the title race. While Los Blancos aim to extend their unbeaten run, Villarreal look to shake off their poor record at the Bernabeu and close the gap at the top of the table.
Real Madrid vs Villarreal: Preview
Real Madrid remain unbeaten in La Liga this season, but their midweek 1-0 loss to Lille in the Champions League came as a shock. Despite bringing Kylian Mbappé off the bench, the reigning European champions failed to avoid defeat, raising concerns about their ability to maintain their stellar form across all competitions.
In the domestic league, however, Real Madrid have been nothing short of formidable. The reigning La Liga champions are on a 40-game unbeaten run, dating back to their 3-1 loss to Atletico Madrid in September 2023. Their La Liga record is a stark contrast to their recent European slip-up, with their resilience showing in a 95th-minute equaliser by Ángel Correa in the Madrid derby last weekend. That 1-1 draw narrowed their lead over Barcelona to just three points, but it also highlighted Real’s tendency to fight until the final whistle.
Kylian Mbappé, who joined the club this summer, has been an immediate sensation. The French star has scored five goals in his last four La Liga appearances and is one of the league’s most prolific forwards this season. He will be crucial for Real Madrid’s attack as they look to break down Villarreal’s defense.
Villarreal’s Revival Under Marcelino
Villarreal have also enjoyed a strong start to their La Liga campaign, sitting just a point behind Real Madrid in third place. After finishing 8th last season, the Yellow Submarine are a transformed team under the guidance of Marcelino, who replaced José Martin midway through last season. The former Valencia boss has rejuvenated the squad, steering them towards a more competitive standing in La Liga.
Villarreal have only lost once in their opening eight matches, scoring an impressive 2.13 goals per game while conceding 1.88 on average. Their attacking prowess has kept them competitive, but their defense remains an area of concern, as both teams have scored in all eight of their games this season. Despite this defensive vulnerability, Villarreal have managed to win five of their matches, only trailing table-toppers Barcelona in terms of goals scored.
One area where Villarreal struggle, however, is at the Bernabeu. They have won just one of their last six matches at this stadium and suffered a 4-1 defeat here last season. In that game, Real Madrid dominated with 22 shots, a testament to their attacking depth. Villarreal will need to significantly improve their performance at the Bernabeu if they hope to leave Madrid with any points.
Real Madrid’s League Form: Dominance with a Few Stumbles
For Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé remains the focal point of their attack. His incredible statistics — ranking in the top 10% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues in shots, shots on target, expected goals (xG), and goals per 90 minutes — make him the player Villarreal’s defense will have the toughest time containing. With an average of 0.87 goals per 90 minutes, Mbappé is expected to pose a serious threat to Villarreal’s backline.
In addition to Mbappé, Real Madrid’s midfield, anchored by Fed Valverde and Jude Bellingham, will be pivotal in controlling the game. Their ability to dictate play and create scoring opportunities will be essential for breaking down Villarreal’s defense, which has shown fragility despite their overall solid start to the season.
For Villarreal, much of their hopes will rest on their ability to outscore Madrid. Their attacking unit, led by Gerard Moreno, and their star midfielder Alex Baena has been potent this season, and they will need to replicate that form against one of the league’s best defensive teams. Villarreal’s average of four goals per game this season, split between their own scoring and that of their opponents, reflects both their attacking capability and their defensive lapses. They will have to tighten up at the back if they are to challenge Real Madrid effectively.
For Marcelino’s squad, Álex Baena and Ayoze Pérez have been the standout performers, driving Villarreal to victory after victory this season. Both Spain internationals have started the campaign in fine form, playing crucial roles in the team’s success. Ayoze Pérez has already netted six goals, making him the second-highest scorer in La Liga, trailing only Robert Lewandowski.
Meanwhile, Baena has been equally impressive, leading all players in Europe’s top five leagues with 13 assists in 2024, surpassing stars like Kevin de Bruyne. This season alone, Baena has already tallied five assists, tying him with Lamine Yamal as the top assist providers in La Liga. In Villarreal’s recent 2-1 win over RCD Espanyol, Baena’s two assists set up both of Ayoze Pérez’s goals, securing the victory. Baena then continued his outstanding form in the Monday night game against UD Las Palmas, where he scored, assisted, and was awarded the MVP.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid are likely to dominate possession and rely on quick transitions to catch Villarreal off guard. With players like Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. in their ranks, Madrid will seek to exploit Villarreal’s defensive vulnerabilities with rapid counterattacks.
On the other hand, Marcelino’s Villarreal are expected to adopt a more cautious approach, likely focusing on hitting Real Madrid on the break. While they are capable of scoring goals, they may prioritize defensive organization to avoid a repeat of last season’s heavy defeat at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid vs Villarreal: Head-to-head
- Total games: 41
- Real Madrid won: 19
- Villarreal won: 6
- Draws: 16
Real Madrid vs Villarreal: Team News
Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe made an early return against Lille, but the positives end there for Carlo Ancelotti. The Real Madrid manager is still without key players like David Alaba and Brahim Diaz, with the injury list growing in recent weeks. On a brighter note, Dani Ceballos is available for selection again after recovering from a foot injury.
Thibaut Courtois missed the loss to Lille, and Andriy Lunin will once again take his place between the posts on Saturday. Eder Militao, who netted a goal in last weekend’s Madrid derby, is doubtful after suffering a thigh injury midweek and being substituted in the second half.
Rodrygo, who did make the trip to France but was an unchanged sub, is expected to be fit for the upcoming game and should start. Mbappe will likely replace Endrick up front, while Aurelien Tchouameni might step in defensively if Militao is ruled out.
Real Madrid: Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper – Lunin
- Defenders – Carvajal, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Mendy
- Midfielders – Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham
- Forwards – Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius.
Villareal: Team News
Villarreal may have to cope without their top scorer, Ayoze Perez, for their crucial clash against Real Madrid on Saturday. Perez, who has netted six goals this season while forming a strong partnership with Thierno Barry, is likely to miss out due to a muscle injury.
Denis Suarez is also a doubt for the weekend, and if unavailable, he will join a growing list of sidelined players, including Gerard Moreno, Willy Kambwala, Alfonso Pedraza, and Juan Foyth.
The Yellow Submarine will also be missing Alexander Sorloth, who moved to Atletico Madrid over the summer. The Norwegian striker scored four times in a thrilling 4-4 draw against Real Madrid last season but will no longer be part of Villarreal’s attacking options.
Villareal: Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper – Conde
- Defenders – Femenia, Bailly, Costa, Cardona
- Midfielders – Akhomach, Parejo, Gueye, Baena
- Forwards – Pepe, Barry
Real Madrid vs Villarreal: Prediction
These two teams have faced off five times over the last two seasons, producing a remarkable 26 goals across those encounters. Last season, fans were treated to a 4-4 draw and a 4-1 victory for Real Madrid, while Villarreal pulled off an impressive 3-2 win at the Santiago Bernabeu during the 2022/23 campaign.
Despite Villarreal’s strong attacking form—scoring 17 goals in their first eight matches—their defensive struggles have been evident, with only the bottom two sides, Real Valladolid and Las Palmas, conceding more goals. Real Madrid’s potent attack is likely to exploit these weaknesses, setting up a potentially high-scoring clash.
Sunday’s matchup between Real Madrid and Villarreal is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams in excellent form. Real Madrid will be eager to bounce back from their midweek Champions League disappointment and extend their unbeaten run in La Liga. Villarreal, however, have shown that they can compete with the best this season and will be determined to close the gap at the top of the table.
With both sides boasting potent attacks, fans can expect an exciting, high-scoring affair at the Bernabeu. Whether Real Madrid can continue their La Liga dominance or Villarreal can pull off a rare upset remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — this will be a game to watch.
Prediction – Real Madrid 3-2 Villarreal
When and Where to Watch the Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
Villareal will face Real Madrid on Sunday midnight, October 6, with the match set to kick off at 12:30 AM IST. GXR World Website holds the broadcasting rights for the La Liga 2024-25 season in India. The game will be streamed live on the GXR World Website. Fans can also watch the match via live stream on the GXR World app on their smartphones in India.
Read More: FIFA Proposes Early Transfer Window for Club World Cup Teams Including Manchester City, Chelsea
When is Real Madrid vs Villareal?
Real Madrid face Villareal at home on Sunday midnight, October 6 from 12:30 am (IST) onwards.
