As the 2025-26 La Liga season reaches the halfway mark, a compelling matchup unfolds this Saturday evening as second-place Real Madrid travels to the Estadio de la Cerámica to face third-placed Villarreal. Both teams are looking to solidify their positions in the league standings amid contrasting form and recent struggles. Real Madrid, despite a tumultuous November that included a disappointing Supercopa final loss and managerial upheaval under Xabi Alonso, has shown resilience under new coach Álvaro Arbeloa. Villarreal, on the other hand, continues to grapple with inconsistent performances but remains dangerous at home, eager for a win that could reignite their campaign. This fixture promises a tense contest with high stakes and a desire for redemption on both sides, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown on January 24, 2026.
Current League Standing and Form
Real Madrid’s Road to Resurgence
Despite enduring a poor November and losing their Spanish Super Cup final, Real Madrid have benefited from a shift in leadership and tactical adjustments. Under the tutelage of interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa, Los Blancos have managed to bounce back from an early knockout in the Copa del Rey and secure pivotal victories over Levante and Monaco in recent weeks. These wins have helped narrow the gap with Barcelona, bringing Madrid within just one point of their fierce rivals in La Liga’s title race.
Real Madrid’s recent form shows promise, with an impressive 6–1 victory over Monaco in the Champions League demonstrating their attacking potency, while domestically, they have managed to return to winning ways, emphasizing their resilience and fighting spirit. The team’s offensive firepower, featuring stars like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo Goes, remains a major threat to any opponent.
The squad’s resilience is also reflected in their recent head-to-head record against Villarreal. Their 3–1 triumph in October last year, coupled with a comfortable 2–1 victory last season, illustrates their dominance in these fixtures, although Villarreal’s home form must not be underestimated.
Villarreal’s Struggles and Strengths
Despite their fourth-place standing, Villarreal’s form in the second half of the season has been inconsistent. The Yellow Submarine has only managed two wins in their last seven matches across all competitions, a record that reveals their ongoing struggles to find stability and winning consistency.
Nevertheless, Villarreal remains a formidable opponent on their home turf at Estadio de la Cerámica. They have garnered 25 out of a possible 30 points at home so far this season, demonstrating their effectiveness in front of their supporters. Coach Manuel Pellegrini’s team is renowned for their disciplined low-block defensive approach, which could pose problems for Madrid’s high-powered attack.
Crucial to Villarreal’s recent challenges was a 2–0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend, marked by disciplinary issues. Santi Comesaña was sent off in the 76th minute for a red card, while Santiago Mouriño received his fifth yellow card of the season, resulting in suspension for the upcoming clash. These absences leave Pellegrini with a limited squad for this pivotal fixture, especially as key players like Willy Kambwala, Logan Costa, and Pau Cabanes are sidelined due to injury.
Despite these setbacks, Villarreal’s home form and tactical organization keep them in the match. Their ability to defend stoutly and capitalize on set-piece opportunities could impact the game’s outcome.
Team News and Tactical Lineups
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Villarreal’s Injuries and Suspensions
Last weekend, Villarreal faced additional setbacks. Santi Comesaña’s red card and Santiago Mouriño’s fifth yellow of the season mean both players are unavailable for Saturday’s game, heavily impacting Pellegrini’s midfield options.
Injury concerns also include Willy Kambala, Logan Costa, and Pau Cabanes—absent due to their ongoing recovery processes. Meanwhile, Alfonso Pedraza, Villarreal’s left-back, is dealing with a minor injury—suffering a broken nose against Real Betis—and is undergoing a late fitness test. He sat out their midweek loss to Ajax but remains a key figure in Pellegrini’s tactical setup.
The coach might deploy a 5-4-1 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity, with Pape Gueye likely to replace the suspended Santiago Mouriño and a possibly reshuffled defense to compensate for injured players.
Real Madrid’s Injury and Selection Updates
Madrid’s squad has experienced notable returns ahead of this match. Rodrygo Goes, absent for the last three games due to a minor muscle injury, is fit and available for selection, providing a much-needed threat from the right wing. Similarly, Brahim Díaz has rejoined the squad after his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, although he is expected to feature primarily from the bench.
However, the team still faces significant absences. Éder Militão, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy are ruled out through injury, limiting their defensive options. Additionally, Aurélien Tchouaméni misses the game after accumulating five yellow cards, which led to his suspension.
The expected starting lineup will likely be a 4-3-3 formation, with Thibaut Courtois guarding the net, complemented by a midfield trio of Güler, Camavinga, and Bellingham. Up front, the pace of Vinícius Júnior, Mbappé, and Rodrygo should lead the attack, aiming to unlock Villarreal’s resilient defense.
Game Preview and Prediction
Expectations and Tactical Battles
Real Madrid arrives with confidence after a commanding 6–1 victory over Monaco in the Champions League, showcasing their attacking prowess and team cohesion. Despite their recent struggles in La Liga, the visitors are considered favorites to secure three points, largely due to their firepower and historical dominance over Villarreal.
Villarreal, meanwhile, will bank on their disciplined defensive setup to frustrate Madrid’s attacking stars. Pellegrini’s team aims to leverage their home advantage and look for opportunities on counters and set pieces. Their recent home form indicates they can challenge even the strongest teams when defending resolutely.
Given the tactical nuances, analysts expect a cautious opening, with Villarreal aiming to absorb pressure and break through on the counterattack. The game may lack the extravagance of Madrid’s recent goalfest but could still produce moments of individual brilliance, particularly from Madrid’s star forwards.
Scoreline and Predicted Outcome
Taking into account form, squad fitness, and historical results, many predict the match will be tightly contested. The anticipated score is Villarreal 1–2 Real Madrid, with Madrid’s offensive potency eventually breaking down Villarreal’s defensive organization.
Madrid’s ability to find the net, combined with Villarreal’s resilience at home, suggests a narrow away victory, though a draw remains a feasible outcome if Villarreal’s defensive discipline holds firm. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see if Madrid’s attacking trio can capitalize on their chances and continue their quest for the league title.
How to Watch the Match
- Location: Villarreal, Spain
- Stadium: Estadio de la Cerámica
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 24
- Kick-off Time: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. GMT
For viewers across different regions, the broadcast options are diverse. In the United States, the match will be available via ESPN Select, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes, and fuboTV. UK fans can tune in through Disney+. Canadian viewers can access the game on TSN+, while those in Mexico will find it on Sky Sports Mexico and Sky+.
Recent Head-to-Head Encounters
- Last five matches: Villarreal has yet to record a win against Madrid in this sequence, with Madrid winning four encounters and drawing once.
- Most recent meeting: On October 4, 2025, Madrid secured a 3–1 victory over Villarreal in La Liga, reaffirming their dominance in recent seasons.
Despite Villarreal’s home advantage and quest for revenge, Madrid’s consistent performances and historical superiority give them the edge in this fixture.
Team News Summary
Villarreal faces disciplinary issues with suspended key midfielders, alongside injury setbacks, which may force tactical adjustments. Alfonso Pedraza’s fitness remains uncertain. Madrid, meanwhile, welcomes Rodrygo back from injury and looks to utilize their attacking stars effectively, although key defenders are sidelined through injury.
As both teams prepare for this critical fixture, the prevailing narrative favors Madrid’s offensive potency and recent form, but Villarreal’s organized defense could make for a tight, competitive encounter. Fans will be eager to see if Madrid can maintain their winning momentum or if Villarreal can produce a rare upset at home.
