24 September 2021, 14:21 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The Spanish LaLiga Santander fixture, Real Madrid CF vs. Villarreal CF, kicks off at 20:00 (GMT+1) on Matchday 7, Saturday, September 25, at the 81,044 capacity Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.
Preview Real Madrid La Liga, Sep 25, 2021
Preview Real Madrid pulverized RCD Mallorca, 6-1, in Wednesday's LaLiga fixture on home soil. Karim Benzema (3') opened the account before Marco Asensio (24') doubled the lead. A minute later, Lee Kang-in (25') cut Mallorca's deficit down to one. Four minutes later, Marco Asensio (29') bagged the brace to restore the two-goal lead before picking up the hattrick in the 55th minute. Late in the second half, Karim Benzema (78') returned for the brace. Isco (84') wrapped up the three points to extend the white patch which leaves Madrid unbeaten in five league games: DWWWW. Los Blancos remain at the top of the table, having picked up 16 points after 5W, 1D, & 0L. Having impressive numbers in the final-third, Real Madrid has an average of 3.5 goals per game, with 21 goals in just six La Liga games. In the first-third, Madrid conceded 8 goals (1.33 goals conceded-per-game), and have a G.D. of +13. Carlo Ancelotti’s probable 4—3—3 formation could see Karim Benzema playing through the middle once again and alongside Vinicius, while Eden Hazard could make a return to the starting lineup. Gareth Bale (knee injury), Toni Kroos (Pubis bone irritation), and Mariano Diaz are all possible absentees for Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Dani Ceballos (ankle injury), as well as Marcelo, remain in doubt for this fixture. Daniel Carvajal also joined the list and remains sidelined with a calf injury until October 15.
Preview Villarreal La Liga, Sep 25, 2021
Preview Meanwhile, Villarreal occupy 11th place in the La Liga table, having picked up 7 points from 1W, 4D, & 0L. Villarreal remains unbeaten, albeit with only one victory, DDDDW. The Yellow Submarine fired four past Elche for Wednesday's 4-1 win on home soil at El Madrigal. Yéremi Pino (5'), Manu Trigueros (39'), Arnaut Danjuma (60'), and Alberto Moreno (90'+4) were all on target for Villarreal's first victory of the season. Hoping the victory would signal a turnaround in fortunes, Unai Emery will be in the run for at least a point against Madrid. Villarreal have six goals (1.2 g.s.p.g) in five La Liga games but have conceded three goals (0.6) so far. It leaves the club with a goal difference of +3. Unai Emery could emerge with a 4—3—3 formation, while counting on the likes of Paco Alcácer, Yéremi Pino, and Arnaut Danjuma for goals. Samuel Chukwueze remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and is ruled out for this fixture.