Real Madrid Vs Villareal: Live Score, Preview, Lineup, Telecast Details
| Date | Saturday, January 24, 2026 |
| Time | 08:00 PM GMT (01:30 AM IST Sunday) |
| Venue | Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal |
| Competition | La Liga Santander |
🏟️ Cerámica Showdown: Arbeloa's Madrid Faces Massive Away Test
Real Madrid travels to the Estadio de la Cerámica tonight for a high-stakes La Liga encounter that could see them momentarily reclaim top spot from rivals Barcelona. Under the new leadership of Álvaro Arbeloa, Los Blancos have found their scoring boots, coming off a resounding 6-1 Champions League victory against Monaco. However, their trip to Villarreal has historically been a difficult one; Madrid has managed only two wins in their last ten visits to this stadium.
Villarreal, currently third in the table, remain one of the most formidable home sides in Spain, having lost just once at the Cerámica all season. Despite recent domestic setbacks against Barcelona and Betis, Marcelino's side has reclaimed 25 out of a possible 30 points at home. A win tonight would not only avenge their 3-1 defeat at the Bernabéu earlier this season but would also significantly tighten the race at the summit of La Liga.
- Event: La Liga Santander - Matchday 21
- Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
- Time: 08:00 PM GMT (01:30 AM IST Sunday)
- Venue: Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal, Spain
- Context: A victory could see Real Madrid move top of the table depending on other results.
📊 Team Analysis & Form
Villarreal (Coach: Marcelino, Form: L L W W L)
The Yellow Submarine enter this fixture following a disappointing 2-1 Champions League loss to Ajax, confirming their exit from European competition. However, their domestic form remains strong, with eight wins in their last ten league games. Marcelino's tactical setup focuses on disciplined, counter-attacking football that thrives even with minimal possession. They will be missing suspended key men Santi Comesaña and Santiago Mouriño.
Real Madrid (Coach: Álvaro Arbeloa, Form: W W L L W)
Arbeloa has injected new life into the squad since taking over on January 12. Real Madrid are currently on a four-game winning streak in La Liga, trailing Barcelona by just one point. While they have been clinical in attack, their defense on the road has been loose, conceding in each of their last eight away matches against Valencian teams. Midfield lynchpin Aurélien Tchouaméni is unavailable due to suspension.
⭐ Key Players
- Villarreal: Gerard Moreno (Forward) - The talisman has been involved in 11 goals against Madrid in his career, the second-most of any active player.
- Villarreal: Alberto Moleiro (Midfielder) - In sensational form on the left wing, he is a primary goal threat for the hosts.
- Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappé (Forward) - The Frenchman has been unstoppable with 19 league goals this season and arrives fresh from a midweek brace.
- Real Madrid: Vinícius Júnior (Forward) - After a goalless drought in the UCL, he scored against Monaco and has netted four times in his last four games against Villarreal.
🎯 The Key Battlegrounds
- The Depleted Defense: Madrid are dealing with significant injury doubts over Antonio Rüdiger and Trent Alexander-Arnold, potentially forcing Federico Valverde into a defensive role.
- Midfield Balance: Without the suspended Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Güler must step up to manage the tempo against Villarreal's rapid transitions.
- Home Resilience vs. Away Momentum: Villarreal has covered the +0.5 goal line in 18 of their last 20 home games, presenting a massive challenge to Madrid's recent road form.
🔮 Prediction and Final Word
This encounter is expected to be a wide-open, high-scoring contest. While Real Madrid's individual quality—specifically the duo of Mbappé and Vinícius—makes them slight favorites, Villarreal’s systematic counter-attacks and strong home record suggest they are more than capable of taking points. A competitive draw or a narrow victory for either side seems the most likely result.
Predicted Score: Villarreal 2–2 Real Madrid
Will Álvaro Arbeloa pass his toughest domestic test yet, or will the Yellow Submarine sink Madrid's title hopes at the Cerámica? Kick-off is at 01:30 AM IST tonight!
Would you like me to provide the confirmed starting lineups for Villarreal vs Real Madrid as soon as they are officially announced?
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