Real Madrid come into this match knowing very well that this is a final before a final. Los Blancos sit at the third position on the league table with 75 points, one point behind joint leaders Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, who have 76 points each.
The Santiago Bernabeu outfit need to win this fixture in order to keep up with the race for the league title, while hoping that the top two teams will drop points along the way. Speaking of winning, the Madrid giants have won their last seven matches in La Liga, something that gives them the much-needed momentum to face Villarreal.
WATCH: Zidane talks about Real Madrid's remaining fixtures in La Liga:
Los Blancos are fresh from their 5-1 win over Getafe last weekend, and now face a side that was riding on a four-match winning streak in all competitions before crushing in the hands of Rayo Vallecano last weekend. When the two sides clashed in December last year, the Yellow Submarines won 1-0 at Estadio El Madrigal.
At that particular moment, the Spanish giants were under their former manager Rafa Benitez, who was later replaced by Zinedine Zidane three weeks after the defeat. Since Zidane’s arrival, Real Madrid have started to roar again and found their way back to the title race, something that was out of the picture some few months ago.
Team news
Real Madrid
Danilo is set to return from suspension, while the injured Gareth Bale could be replaced by James Rodriguez, Lucas Vasquez, Jese or Isco. Casemiro is expected to start at the midfield although he is one booking away from suspension.
Villarreal
The visitors are set to welcome Bruno and Antonio Rukavina from suspension, while Tomas Pina could be unavailable due to a knee problem.
Quick facts
- Real Madrid have witnessed over 2.5 goals in 13 of their last 14 La Liga games played at the Santiago Bernabeu
- Real Madrid have not lost 32 of their last 34 home games in La Liga
Head to head
- There have been under 2.5 goals in the last three meetings between these two sides in all competitions
- Los Blancos have not lost their last 14 games against Villarreal in all competitions
Which channel is broadcasting Real Madrid vs Villarreal on TV or Online?
USA: Watch Real Madrid vs Villarreal on beIN SPORTS en Español, fuboTV, beIN SPORTS USA or beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A. at 16:00 EDT.
Canada: Tune in to beIN Sports Canada, beIN SPORTS en Español or beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada at 16:00 EDT.
UK: On SKY GO Extra, Sky Go UK, NOW TV UK or Sky Sports 3/HD at 21:00 BST.
Spain: Follow the La Liga action live from the Santiago Bernabeu on Canal+ Partidazo, Abono Futbol 1 or Movistar TV Fútbol at 22:00 CEST.
To find additional TV listings for your specific country, visit our live broadcast page
*NOTE: Live broadcast data is subject to change
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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