Mbappe Hunts for More Ballon d'Or Magic as Real Madrid Clash with Villarreal
Real Madrid aim to maintain their four-match undefeated run against Villarreal as both teams meet this Saturday night.
Following their midweek 5-0 triumph over Kairat, Real Madrid will still be reflecting on their disappointing display in this season's opening Madrid derby. A La Liga recovery demands victory over Villarreal, a feat only Atlético Madrid has accomplished thus far in the 2025-26 campaign.
Los Blancos overcame the Yellow Submarine on two occasions during Carlo Ancelotti's last season as manager, though Villarreal pose a significantly greater challenge this term, occupying third position in La Liga and sitting merely two points behind second-placed Real Madrid.
The positive development for Xabi Alonso is Éder Militão's return to availability after being absent from the Asian Champions League fixture. The Brazilian defender escaped serious injury, unlike Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy, who continue their recovery in the treatment room.
Here's how Real Madrid's starting eleven might appear against Villarreal.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Villarreal (4-3-1-2)
GK: Thibaut Courtois—The shot-stopper has occasionally been exposed by defensive lapses this campaign, yet he continues pursuing his fifth shutout in 10 appearances.
RB: Raúl Asencio—With Alexander-Arnold and Carvajal remaining unavailable, Asencio will serve as Alonso's preferred choice on the right side.
CB: Éder Militão—The Brazilian center-back experienced a fitness concern versus Atlético Madrid, but has rejoined the squad and appears prepared to anchor Los Blancos' backline once more.
CB: Dean Huijsen—The summer acquisition is set to earn his ninth straight start this season. Huijsen's sole absence from Alonso's starting lineup occurred due to a mandatory one-match ban.
LB: Álvaro Carreras—Carreras remained on the bench against Kairat after his difficulties in the Madrid derby, but receives an opportunity for redemption this Saturday night.
CM: Federico Valverde—The midfielder faces pressure to recover from recent subpar displays, particularly after issuing a strong response to his detractors via social media.
CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—Tchouaméni has provided stability and reliability in midfield. The 25-year-old is demonstrating his finest form under Alonso's guidance.
CM: Jude Bellingham—The England midfielder is positioned to rejoin the starting eleven after featuring for just 10 minutes on Tuesday. Alonso may utilize him in a withdrawn position while seeking the optimal setup with both Bellingham and Güler included.
AM: Arda Güler—Despite Bellingham's availability, displacing Güler from Real Madrid's playmaker role proves nearly impossible. The 20-year-old's combination play with Mbappé has become the cornerstone of the team's offensive approach under Alonso.
ST: Kylian Mbappé—Following his maiden hat-trick of the campaign, Mbappé will seek to continue his remarkable goalscoring form. The French striker has netted 15 times across club and international duties in 2025-26.
ST: Vinícius Júnior—The attacker appears to have secured his position ahead of Rodrygo in Alonso's preferred eleven. Vinícius Júnior enters this match with seven goal contributions recorded this season.
