Following their dramatic penalty shootout victory over rivals Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16, Real Madrid will visit Villarreal this Saturday for another crucial La Liga encounter before the international break. Carlo Ancelotti`s team needs to secure a win to keep pace with FC Barcelona, who they are currently tied with on 57 points, although Real Madrid holds a game in hand. Atletico Madrid sits just one point behind the two leading Spanish clubs. Adding to the weekend`s excitement, Atletico will host FC Barcelona in a highly anticipated matchup on Sunday, following Real Madrid`s game.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, March 15
- Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio de la Cerámica — Villarreal, Spain
- Watch: ESPN Deportes
- Stream: Fubo (try for free)
- Odds: Villarreal +200; Draw +280; Real Madrid +115
Team News
Villarreal: Kiko Femenia remains a doubt for the upcoming match against Real Madrid. Both Gerard Moreno and Ilias Akhomach are still sidelined with injuries and will not be available to face Ancelotti`s squad this weekend.
Potential Villarreal Starting XI: Conde; Foyth, Kambwala, Costa, S Cardona; Pino, Gueye, Parejo, Baena; Barry, Perez.
Real Madrid: With Ferland Mendy out due to injury, Fran Garcia is expected to start at left-back. Ancelotti is anticipated to deploy his preferred attacking setup featuring Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr alongside French star Kylian Mbappe.
Potential Real Madrid Starting XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius.
Prediction
Real Madrid is expected to secure the three points away from home before the break, aiming to put pressure on FC Barcelona ahead of their Sunday clash against Atletico. Prediction: Real Madrid 2, Villarreal 0.
