Real Madrid resume La Liga action after the international break with a crucial home test against Villarreal on Saturday evening.
They have won five league games and lost two, scoring 18 goals while conceding eight.
Villarreal, on the other hand, are looking to build on two successive league wins before the international break.
Iñigo Pérez’s team have endured an inconsistent start to the campaign, leaving them in ninth place with eight points ahead of the match.
Madrid have demonstrated considerable attacking strength, scoring 18 times in their opening seven league matches, making them favorites here.
We have a look at both teams and offer our predicted outcome.
What time does Madrid vs Villarreal start?
The match kicks off at 10PM E.A.T at the Santiago Bernabeau
Madrid vs Villarreal team news
Raúl Asencio and Ferland Mendy remain the only key absentees for the home team, as they come into the weekend with a fully fit squad.
Federico Valverde and Arda Guler have been solid in recent matches and will both retain their spots in the starting XI.
Jude Bellingham has proved to be the glue in the Madrid side and will control proceedings in the middle of the pack, with Vinicius Junior being the main attacking outlet on the flank.
Top scorer Kylian Mbappe, who has scored seven La Liga goals already this season, will continue to lead the attacking line.
For the visitors, Pape Gueye has been particularly important, scoring three league goals before this fixture.
Alberto Moleiro and Ayoze Pérez are also key to their attacking structure and will both start as well.
Madrid vs Villarreal head-to-head and current form
The historical record favors Real Madrid, who have generally enjoyed the better of this fixture. Their most recent meeting, played in January 2026, ended in a 2-0 away victory for Madrid.
The corresponding fixture at the Bernabéu last season finished 3-1 in Madrid’s favour.
The home team have won all but one of their last four games against Villarreal, with the other resulting in a remarkable 4-4 stalemate.
Current form:
Madrid – LWWWL
Villarreal – WWLLL
Madrid vs Villarreal previous games
- Villarreal 0-2 Madrid (January 24, 2026)
- Madrid 3-1 Villarreal (October 4, 2025)
- Villarreal 1-2 Madrid (March 15, 2025)
- Madrid 2-0 Villarreal (October 5, 2024)
- Villarreal 4-4 Madrid (May 19, 2024)
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Madrid vs Villarreal prediction
Madrid have the home advantage, a stronger attacking unit and a pressing need to collect three points in the title race.
Villarreal’s recent victories should give them confidence, but their defensive record remains a huge concern.
Prediction – Real Madrid to win – PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME HERE!