Real Madrid, who are trailing league leaders Barcelona by 12 points, will be looking to cut this gap when they host an in-form and sixth-placed Villarreal side at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday from 19:00 GMT.
Los Blancos must be at their absolute best in the run-in if they are to make a dent in a Barcelona title charge that looks largely ominous.
Real Madrid have to win their matches, starting with the home clash against Villarreal, and hope Barcelona slip up in the business end of the La Liga season.
Villarreal, on the other hand, are chasing a European place in the run-in, and a win away to Real Madrid will be pivotal in this endeavor.
Key Highlights
Real Madrid’s Unlikely La Liga Title Charge
Carlo Ancelotti and his Real Madrid charges have had an underwhelming latter part of the season. They have lagged the pace set by their rivals Barcelona in the chase for the La Liga title.
Real Madrid have dropped seven points in their last five outings, including two wins, two draws, and one loss. The loss came on their trip to the Camo Nou, which saw the Blaugrana extend their lead at the top of the table.
The match against Villarreal will allow Los Blancos to make a statement win and return to winning ways.
Carlo Ancelotti will look to get his side primed for the match against Villarreal even as they get ready for the Champions League quarterfinal clash against Chelsea.
Villarreal Top-Four Hopes
Villarreal have gone four matches unbeaten in La Liga. They have won three in their last five matches, drawn one, and lost one. This run of form has seen Villarreal climb the table to sixth with 41 points, seven points behind fourth-placed Real Sociedad.
Quique Setién and his charges seek to maintain their momentum in the run-in as they seek to make a play for the top four. They will need to be flawless in the business end of La Liga as they look to reel in the sides ahead of them.
At the start of this run-in is a clash against the reigning champions, Real Madrid. Setién’s side will need to be at their best to win against a Los Blancos side looking to bounce back to winning form.
Injury Report
Real Madrid
Real Madrid will be without Ferland Mendy in the home clash against Villarreal. The 27-year-old Frenchman is sidelined with a muscle injury. Mendy has been out of action since January 31, 2023, and has missed 14 matches so far for Los Blancos.
Villarreal
Villarreal have a single injury problem ahead of their trip to Real Madrid. Defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin is out of action with a cruciate ligament rupture. He has been sidelined from the first team since February 13, 2023, and has missed 19 matches. Coquelin is expected to return to fitness by August 31, 2023.
Possible Lineups
Real Madrid
T. Courtois; L. Vazquez, E. Militao, D. Alaba, E. Camavinga; T. Kroos, A. Tchouameni; M, Asensio, Rodrygo, V. Junior; K. Benzema
Villarreal
Pepe Reina; J. Foyth, A. Mandi, P. Torres, Alfonso; R. Terrats, D. Parejo, A. Baena; S. Chukwueza, J. Morales, Y. Pino
Prediction
The resurgence in form will buoy Real Madrid. They will look to dominate the ball and control the match’s tempo. They will boss the midfield, recycle the ball, and launch their attacks through quick passages in the middle of the pack.
Villarreal will be compact in midfield and solid at the back. They will defend deep and launch transition attacks to pressure the Madrid defense.
Real Madrid will win the match and extend their good run of form in La Liga.
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