Villarreal vs Real Madrid Preview: Team News & Prediction
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
With Barcelona facing Atletico Madrid on Sunday, this is another huge game in Spain’s title race as Real Madrid travel to Castellon to face an entertaining Villarreal side at El Madrigal this week.
Kick-off date/time: Saturday 15th March, 2025: UK – 5:30pm / US ET – 1:30pm / US PT – 10:30am
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Villarreal vs Real Madrid may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Villarreal Preview: Entertaining Yellow Submarine
Villarreal have been thrilling to watch throughout the season as they chase a top four or five finish and potential UEFA Champions League qualification. Under the management of former Valencia boss Marcelino, their 26 La Liga matches have consisted of 84 goals this season.
The Yellow Submarine come into this one on the back of a defeat, though, as they suffered a 1-0 loss to struggling Deportivo Alaves in the Basque Country last weekend. That loss ended what was an impressive six-match unbeaten run of form.
Real Madrid Preview: Los Blancos find a way
Real Madrid, somehow, once again, found a way to defeat Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League in midweek as they defeated Los Rojiblancos on penalties in the Round of 16 with Julian Alvarez having a spot-kick disallowed by VAR in the shootout for a double touch.
Madrid were poor throughout the evening and were the weaker of the two sides over the two legs but, as is so often the way, by hook or by crook, they found a way. Now they turn their attention to domestic matters ahead of the March international break.
Villarreal Team News: Nothing new
There are no fresh injury concerns or suspension issues for the hosts this weekend as club captain Gerard Moreno tries to fight back from a recent knock, whilst Morocco international attacker Ilias Akhomach remains sidelined due to an ACL injury.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Conde; Foyth, Kambwala, Costa, Sergi Cardona; Yeremy Pino, Gueye, Dani Parejo, Alex Baena; Pepe, Ayoze
Unavailable: Akhomach (Injured)
Questionable: Gerard (Injured)
Real Madrid Team News: Potential changes
Despite the significance of this match, Madrid may well make a few changes here after the long, hard-fought night at the Metropolitano the other day. Jude Bellingham was a doubt for this one and will have to be a fitness concern, whilst Antonio Rudiger has overcome a bout with illness.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Alaba, Fran Garcia; Tchouameni, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior; Mbappe
Unavailable: Jesus Vallejo (Injured), Militao (Injured), Dani Carvajal (Injured), Dani Ceballos (Injured)
Questionable: Bellingham (Fitness)
Villarreal vs Real Madrid Prediction
The top five are expected to get UEFA Champions League football this season so Villarreal are all but assured of that but they will still want to finish with a flourish and they could even move within ten points of Madrid with a game-in-hand ahead of their 11-match run-in after the international break. Madrid will go to the top-of-the-table for at least 24 hours if they avoid defeat at El Madrigal. They have looked vulnerable at the back and will have fatigue up-front and, up against an energetic and entertaining Villarreal side, it is a fascinating clash for the neutral.
Villarreal vs Real Madrid Tip: Both teams to score
