Frank Christian
On Saturday, Real Madrid will take on Villarreal in a pivotal La Liga match that may help Carlo Ancelotti alleviate some concerns regarding his team’s recent performance.
Madrid recently suffered their first league and UEFA Champions League defeat since January with a 1-0 loss to Lille. Before that, they could only manage a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid, conceding a last-minute equalizer, and had a close 3-2 home victory over Deportivo Alaves.
This season, several players have not reached their peak form, including England’s Jude Bellingham and new recruit Kylian Mbappe, who was limited to a substitute role against Lille due to an injury. Although there are no strong indications that Ancelotti’s job is in jeopardy, a lackluster result against Villarreal could amplify scrutiny on the coach.
Villarreal is close behind Madrid in the league standings, trailing by just a point. However, their recent heavy loss (5-1) to league leaders Barcelona indicates they will face a tough challenge.
STREAM: Real Madrid vs. Villarreal LIVE via ESPN+ (USA)
Predicted Lineups for Real Madrid vs. Villarreal
Ancelotti addressed the media on Friday and dismissed claims that his midfield lacks strength. However, he may need to reassess his strategy to better utilize his star players.
With goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois still unavailable, Andriy Lunin is set to take his place again. Other absentees include Brahim Diaz and David Alaba, with Eder Militao‘s fitness remaining uncertain after he was substituted against Lille.
Due to lingering fitness issues, Kylian Mbappe may be benched again, which could allow Jude Bellingham to shift to a forward position, enabling Luka Modric to slot into central midfield.
Real Madrid Predicted XI (4-3-1-2): Lunin (GK) — Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy — Modric, Tchouameni, Valverde — Bellingham — Vinicius, Rodrygo
Injuries: Courtois, Alaba, Brahim Diaz, Militao (doubt), Ceballos (doubt)
Suspensions: None
Villarreal’s striker Ayoze Perez is doubtful. His absence would be significant given that only Robert Lewandowski has scored more goals in La Liga this season.
Denis Suarez is also likely to be out, along with longer-term injuries affecting Willy Kambwala, Gerard Moreno, Juan Foyth, and Alfonso Pedraza.
Marcelino is expected to maintain the successful attacking duo of Nicolas Pepe and Thierno Barry, as seen in their recent 3-1 victory against Las Palmas.
Villarreal Predicted XI (4-4-2): Conde (GK) — Femenia, Bailly, Costa, S Cardona — Akhomach, Parejo, Gueye, Baena — Barry, Pepe.
Injuries: Kambwala, Moreno, Foyth, Pedraza, Suarez (doubt), Perez (doubt)
Suspensions: None
Kickoff Information for Real Madrid vs. Villarreal
This La Liga match is set to occur at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain, commencing on Sunday, October 6, at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that translates to various time zones:
| Date | Kickoff Time | |
| USA | Sun, Oct. 6 | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| Canada | Sun, Oct. 6 | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| Australia | Mon, Oct. 7 | 5:00 a.m. AEST |
| UK | Sun, Oct. 6 | 8:00 p.m. BST |
| India | Mon, Oct. 7 | 12:30 a.m. IST |
