Real Madrid will play top-four contender Villarreal at Estadio de la Ceramica on Saturday night to resume their La Liga season after clinching their place in the Champions League quarterfinals.
In the competition for Champions League slots, Villarreal is in fifth position, five points behind fourth-place Athletic Bilbao, while Los Blancos are now in second place in La Liga, tied with leaders Barcelona.
With a total of 44 points from their 26 league games this season—12 wins, 8 draws, and 6 losses—Villarreal is in fifth place in the standings, five points behind fourth-place Athletic, who have played one more game.
Villarreal, known as the Yellow Submarine, have been a thrilling team to watch this season, netting an impressive 48 goals. However, their defensive struggles have seen them concede 36 goals—the highest among the top eight teams—and this vulnerability could jeopardize their chances of securing Champions League football for next season.
Marcelino’s squad heads into this match following a surprising 1-0 loss to Alaves, which snapped a six-game unbeaten streak. Despite that setback, they have been strong at home, suffering only two defeats in front of their own fans this season.
Villarreal last clinched fourth place in La Liga during the 2015-16 campaign, making this season’s push for a top-four finish particularly significant. A victory over Real Madrid on Saturday night would not only boost their chances but also serve as a major statement of intent.
Historically, Villarreal have struggled against Real Madrid, winning just six of their last 52 encounters. However, the two sides played out an exhilarating 4-4 draw when they met earlier in the 2023-24 season, showing that the Yellow Submarine can compete with the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, come into this match fresh from a dramatic penalty-shootout victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last-16. After a 2-2 aggregate draw following extra time in the second leg, Los Blancos held their nerve in the shootout, converting four of their five penalties to secure a quarterfinal clash with Arsenal.
With both teams in strong form but carrying different motivations, this matchup promises to be a captivating contest with high stakes for Villarreal’s European ambitions and Real Madrid’s continued dominance.
However, with two crucial league matches against Villarreal and Leganes coming up before the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final matchup with Real Sociedad on April 1, the Champions League can be put on hold for the time being.
With 57 points from 27 games, Real Madrid is in second place in the table, just behind leaders Barcelona on the head-to-head record. However, the Catalan powerhouses still have a game in hand. Real Madrid defeated Rayo Vallecano 2-1 in La Liga last weekend.
Barcelona's Sunday night trip to third-place Atletico will make for an exciting weekend in the La Liga title battle, and Real Madrid will try to exploit at least one of their opponents.
However, with two crucial league matches against Villarreal and Leganes coming up before the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final matchup with Real Sociedad on April 1, the Champions League can be put on hold for the time being.
With 57 points from 27 games, Real Madrid is in second place in the table, just behind leaders Barcelona on the head-to-head record. However, the Catalan powerhouses still have a game in hand. Real Madrid defeated Vallecano 2-1 in La Liga last weekend.
With Barcelona visiting third-place Atletico on Sunday night, it is expected to be a pivotal weekend in the La Liga championship battle. Madrid will hope to capitalize on at least one of their opponents missing points.
