Hello everyone and welcome to another MARCA in English live blog, this time covering the LaLiga EA Sports clash between Villarreal and Real Madrid at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
Real Madrid sits second in the table, just one point behind Barcelona, while Villarreal occupy third place with a game in hand and a chance to send a serious message about their ambitions.
On paper, Villarreal‘s LaLiga campaign has been outstanding. Marcelino‘s side have collected 41 points from 19 matches, winning 13 times and turning their home ground into a genuine advantage with 25 points from 10 fixtures. Their structure has been compact and disciplined, and they have punished mistakes efficiently, a profile that has kept them firmly in the title conversation despite limited attention compared to the traditional giants.
Real Madrid, though, have quietly matched that consistency on the road. Los Blancos have taken 21 points from 10 away league games and arrive buoyed by a dominant Champions League win over Monaco. The recent results have allowed them to close the gap on Barcelona and maintain real belief that the top spot is within reach.
Villarreal vs Real Madrid LIVE – Latest Updates
Confirmed team news
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Camavinga, Arda, Bellingham; Mastantuono, Mbappé, Vinicius Jr.
Real Madrid remain without several defensive options, including Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Trent Alexander Arnold, while Aurelien Tchouameni is suspended. The return of Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz to training offers attacking depth, and Federico Valverde may again be deployed at right back to balance the lineup.
Villarreal will be missing Willy Kambwala, Logan Costa and Pau Cabanes through injury, with Santi Comesana and Santiago Mourino suspended. Dani Parejo is expected to anchor midfield, while Ayoze Perez and Georges Mikautadze provide movement and threat in the final third.
Villarreal possible XI: Junior; Navarro, Veiga, Foyth, Pedraza; Buchanan, Parejo, Gueye, Moleiro; Perez, Mikautadze
Real Madrid possible XI: Courtois; Valverde, Huijsen, Asencio, Carreras; Guler, Camavinga, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius
When does Villarreal vs Real Madrid start?
Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 CET. For fans in the United Kingdom, the match begins at 20:00 GMT.
In the United States, it will get underway at 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT.
Where to watch Villarreal vs Real Madrid?
In the United States, Villarreal vs Real Madrid will be available via ESPN+. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be available through Premier Sports, with streaming via Premier Player.
Read the full article here
Camavinga moves position
One change from the Monaco game. Carreras comes in at left back and Camavinga, who started at left-back in the Champions League, moves to midfield to replace Tchouameni.