Real Madrid vs Villarreal Prediction & Betting Tips - LaLiga

Prediction published on 17/12/2023, 06:25  by Kennedy Kechula in LaLiga Predictions

Real Madrid will entertain Villarreal on Sunday for their next Spanish La Liga assignment. After 16 rounds of play, Real are second and sit more than 20 points above 13th-placed Villarreal. Madrid haven’t lost any of their last 15 fixtures and have won an impressive 12 times in this stretch. Carlo Ancelotti’s men battled to edge a five-goal thriller away to Union Berlin in the Champions League in midweek. The win maintained their 100% record in the competition and saw them advance to the round of 16 as group winners. They will now hope to keep this momentum and get back to winning ways in the league. Los Merengues drew 1-1 with Real Betis last weekend. The result saw them fall two points behind current league leaders Girona and they will be keen to not see this gap extended.

Villarreal inflicted Real Madrid’s last loss at home. This was back in April of the last campaign when they came from a goal down to win 3-2 in the league. Quique Setien was the manager then but he has since left the side. Marcelino is in charge now and has settled the ship following a turbulent start to the campaign that forced four managerial changes. The Spanish tactician has himself orchestrated several victories against their soon-to-be hosts in his career. He will hope to do so again and maintain his team’s slow but steady climb up the table. Villarreal have amassed 16 points and a fifth victory of the season could move them to within 10 points of the European places. The Yellow Submarine are also coming off a five-goal thriller in Europe that ended a three-game run without victory. They defeated Rennes 3-2 away from home to advance to the knockout rounds of the Europa League as group winners.