Real Madrid Lineup Revealed: Rodrygo and Mastantuono Decisions Finalized as Injury Updates Shape Villarreal Clash
Real Madrid aims to secure their third consecutive victory under new manager Álvaro Arbeloa as they face a challenging away fixture against Villarreal this Saturday night.
While crisis discussions have dominated headlines at the Bernabéu throughout this campaign, Los Blancos sit merely one point behind Barcelona in the La Liga table following the Catalan club's defeat to Real Sociedad last weekend. The summit is now surprisingly accessible for the 15-time European champions, less than a fortnight after dismissing Xabi Alonso.
To maintain pressure on their arch-rivals, Real Madrid must avoid any slip-ups against third-positioned Villarreal. The Spanish powerhouse hopes to build upon their spectacular 6–1 demolition of Monaco at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Aurélien Tchouaméni faces suspension for the Villarreal encounter following yellow card accumulation, depriving Arbeloa of his midfield cornerstone. The French international had appeared in 18 of the squad's 20 La Liga fixtures this campaign.
Real Madrid must also cope without long-term casualties Éder Militão, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy. Raúl Asencio, who experienced an injury concern during the midweek Monaco clash, successfully avoided joining his defensive colleagues in the treatment room and remains available for Saturday's encounter.
Rodrygo has recovered from his injury setback, while Brahim Díaz becomes selectable for the first time in almost two months after the AFCON final.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Villarreal
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Villarreal
GK: Thibaut Courtois—The Belgian goalkeeper continues searching for his second clean sheet since 2026 began. Courtois would prefer having a more seasoned defensive unit protecting his goal.
RB: Federico Valverde—Despite early season grievances, Valverde appears more comfortable at right-back than in central midfield. The skipper flourishes when given liberty and space along the right touchline.
CB: Raúl Asencio—Concerns arose when Asencio managed only 45 minutes against Monaco, but the defender appears to have escaped serious injury and is set to make his 11th straight start.
CB: Dean Huijsen—The Spanish defender acknowledged he "wasn't at [his] peak" during recent months, but he's now fully fit and eager to justify his record-breaking £50 million ($67.2 million) transfer fee.
LB: Álvaro Carreras—The summer acquisition returns to the starting eleven after completing his Champions League ban against Monaco.
CM: Arda Güler—An impactful substitute appearance against Levante earned Güler his starting berth back. The midfielder holds the key to unlocking compact defenses, with his dead-ball delivery being unmatched.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga—Following an outstanding midweek display at left-back, Camavinga shifts back to his preferred role to cover for the banned Tchouaméni.
CM: Jude Bellingham—The English midfielder rediscovered his scoring touch in Tuesday's victory and will have numerous chances to surge forward and trouble Villarreal's defensive line.
RW: Rodrygo—Returning from injury, Rodrygo reclaims his right-wing position, relegating Franco Mastantuono to substitute duties. The Brazilian had registered six goal contributions across seven starts before his absence.
ST: Kylian Mbappé—With 32 strikes this season, Mbappé comfortably leads the team's scoring charts and remains among the early contenders for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.
LW: Vinicius Junior—The Brazilian winger delivered his finest 2025–26 performance against Monaco, setting up three goals while netting one himself. The challenge lies in whether he can restore consistency to his performances.