Real Madrid has a last shot at the La Liga title this weekend when they take on Villarreal to dethrone league leaders Atletico Madrid. The match schedules for Saturday at Santiago Bernabeu with kickoff at 7 pm.
Los Blancos are currently second on the table, separated by one point from league leaders. On the other hand, Villarreal is currently sixth and one point behind fifth-placed Real Sociedad. So there is plenty to play for on the last day of the season.
Real Madrid title defense has met several stumbling blocks along the way. However, 2021 has been a stable fall year for the side that lastly lost in January. However, recent draws to Getafe, Real Betis, and Sevilla could ultimately cost them their title defense.
Furthermore, winning the title rests on winning this weekend fixture while hoping Atletico Madrid drops points against Real Valladolid. The race became alive especially following their hard-fought 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao.
Moreover, Zinedine Zidane revealed that he would be leaving the camp at the end of the season. There is a wide lineup of figures to replace him as Santiago Bernabeu.
In contrast, Unai Emery sets his eyes on a Europa League final on Wednesday against Manchester United. However, the Yellow Submarines cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal with the fifth spot widely open.
Real Madrid vs. Villarreal Head to Head
Both sides have 26 games against each other, with Real Madrid taking 14 wins while Villarreal picking four wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Real Madrid
- Granada 1-4 Real Madrid
- Real Madrid 2-2 Sevilla
- Chelsea 2-0 Real Madrid
- Real Madrid 1-1 Chelsea
Away
- Villarreal 4-1 Sevilla
- Real Valladolid 0-2 Villarreal
- Villarreal 2-4 Celta Vigo
- Arsenal 0-0 Villarreal
- Villarreal 0-1 Getafe
Real Madrid Team News
Injury absentees at the camp include Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, and Lucas Vasquez through injury. However, Raphael Varane returned from a muscular problem and slots back into the starting XI. On the other hand, Toni Kroos recently tested positive for coronavirus and remains in isolation.
Villarreal Team News
Unai Emery remains with absentees Samuel Chukwueze, Juan Foyth, and Vicente Iborra. However, boosts ahead of the clash include Etienne Capoue, Mario Gaspar, and Geronimo Rulli returning from suspensions. New faces from their last clash with Sevilla include Francis Coquelin, Capoue, and Paco Alcacer.
Prediction and Odds
Villarreal has their eyes on the Europa final next week; thus, Real Madrid can take advantage of this.
- Real Madrid Win
- Goals Over 2.5
- Benzema to Score
