Villarreal vs Real Madrid Prediction 24 January 2026
🔊 What storylines are unfolding in the marquee matchup of La Liga's 21st round? This Saturday evening, the Estadio de la Cerámica will host a clash between Villarreal and Real Madrid. Both clubs remain in the title race, continuing their pursuit of league leaders Barcelona. It seems both the Yellow Submarine and Los Blancos are in high spirits and ready to deliver top-tier football. Bookmakers are treading carefully when selecting a favorite, giving a slight edge to Álvaro Arbeloa's side.
Head-to-Head
📊 Villarreal have been unable to defeat Real Madrid in their last five head-to-head encounters. The Yellow Submarine's last victory against Los Blancos came in the latter half of the 2022/23 La Liga season, when they edged out a 3-2 win. Over their last 10 games, Villarreal have averaged 1.4 goals per match, while Real Madrid have averaged 2.1. Whether Marcelino's squad can exact revenge for their first-round defeat remains to be seen soon.
Head-to-head statistics Villarreal - Real Madrid
Villarreal Team Overview
🟡 The "Yellow Submarine" are having a commendable season. Despite setbacks on the international stage, Marcelino's squad remains in the title race. They trail the top spot by just 5 points in terms of points dropped. Villarreal's home form has been particularly impressive, with 25 points secured from 10 matches. The Spanish manager has been diligently working over the years to adhere to the club's long-term strategy and build a competitive team, including on the international front. Let's also take a look at Villarreal's average statistics in the current La Liga campaign-1.95 goals scored per game while conceding 1.
📌 Last weekend, Villarreal unexpectedly fell to Real Betis (0-2) at the "Benito Villamarín". It's safe to say Marcelino's side became victims of circumstances-their first-half pressure was enough to find the back of the net. However, in the second half, Santi Comesaña was sent off, which ultimately dashed Villarreal's hopes of securing points. Midweek, the club faced additional physical demands with a European clash against Ajax (1-2). Paradoxically, in their seven Champions League matches, Marcelino's team has suffered six defeats and managed just one draw.
Match Results: Villarreal
Real Madrid Team Overview
⚪ "Los Blancos" are gradually hitting their stride. After a humiliating defeat to Albacete (2-3) in the Copa del Rey Round of 16, Real Madrid have delivered two top-notch performances. In La Liga, the capital club sit second in the standings, narrowing the gap to leaders Barcelona to just one point. Notably, the "Galacticos" boast the second-best attack in the league (2.15 goals per game) and the strongest defense (0.85 goals conceded per match). Interestingly, Real excel in away fixtures, averaging 2.1 points per game.
📌 Last weekend, Álvaro Arbeloa made his debut as head coach of Real Madrid in La Liga. It was a successful start with a 2-0 victory over Levante. The tactical setup of "Los Blancos" closely mirrored Xabi Alonso's principles, featuring the familiar 4-3-3 formation with an emphasis on overloading one flank. Just this past Tuesday, the "Galacticos" exacted full revenge on Monaco with a 6-1 triumph in the Champions League's seventh round. Outstanding finishing and individual brilliance were key factors in such a commanding victory. Real now look almost certain to secure direct passage to the tournament's Round of 16. Kylian Mbappé is in sublime form, leading both La Liga (19 goals and 4 assists) and the Champions League (11 goals) in scoring.
Match Results: Real Madrid
Latest news
Villarreal
🎤 After the 2-1 defeat to Ajax, Marcelino faced some tough questions from journalists: "This is football. We've had a few similar matches in the Champions League. We had our chances. We could have decided the outcome in the first half. We missed the opportunity, partly because their goalkeeper played a decisive role. We scored a goal, then conceded an own goal right at the start, and later, when we were desperately trying to win, they went ahead 2-1. We were aiming for victory. It was our last home match in the Champions League, and we wanted to win. We had our chances but didn't capitalize on them, while they did. They executed their chances well and ultimately secured the win. I can't fault the players for anything. They put in a tremendous effort and created scoring opportunities, which, as we always say, is the most important thing. But we couldn't convert them. The Champions League has been very harsh on these players. We will learn from this. It should help us grow."
❌ In Villarreal's injury list are Logan Costa (knee injury), Willy Kambala (hamstring injury), and Po Cabanes (knee injury).
Real Madrid
🎤 Álvaro Arbeloa shared his emotions following his team's emphatic 6-1 victory over Monaco: "I think it was a magnificent match-at our stadium, with our fans. The players enjoyed themselves, scored stunning goals-exactly what we want to see. The players won this match with their hard work and quality. It's not the new coach's credit. The little I ask of them, they immediately embrace. I really like their attitude and mentality. This is Real Madrid, and I love this mindset-it's what every Madridista wants to see. Everyone played well-Mastantuono, Arda [Güler], Vini, Kylian [Mbappé], Jude [Bellingham]... it was a day for everyone. We place a big emphasis on teamwork, and I'm very happy. It's an evening to savor."
❌ Among the unavailable Real Madrid players are Éder Militão (muscle injury), Antonio Rüdiger (knee injury), Ferland Mendy (knee injury), Trent Alexander-Arnold (muscle injury).
⚽ Goal Prediction
In 5 out of Villarreal's last 7 matches, there have been at least 3 goals scored. A similar trend is evident in 5 of Real Madrid's previous 6 games. Moreover, head-to-head encounters between the "Yellow Submarine" and "Los Blancos" are traditionally high-scoring, averaging around 3.4 goals per game. Taking this into account, we suggest the following bet: over 3 total goals.
🚩 Corner Prediction
This season, Real Madrid frequently threatens opponents through flank attacks, as reflected in their average number of corners: 6.4 compared to 4.1 in favor of "Los Blancos." In head-to-head matchups, Álvaro Arbeloa's side also holds the upper hand in this aspect, averaging 6.1 corners to 3.8. We recommend considering the following bet: Real Madrid to win on corners with a -1.5 handicap.
Editorial Prediction
Expecting anything other than a high-scoring encounter from this upcoming match is quite challenging. Both clubs are known for setting a fast pace and maintaining high intensity throughout the game. The "Yellow Submarine" is particularly noted for their effective team play. A telling trend is that both teams have found the net in 7 of their last 8 head-to-head clashes. We predict a final score of 2-2, with the key bet being on over 3 goals.
No comments
Betting Tips: Villarreal - Real Madrid
in 12 of last 14 home games (La Liga).
in 7 of last 8 home games against Real Madrid (La Liga).in 15 of last 16 home games (La Liga).
in 15 of last 17 games against Real Madrid.in 9 of last 10 home games against Real Madrid.in 8 of last 9 home games against Real Madrid (La Liga).in 12 of last 13 games (La Liga).in 10 of last 11 away games (La Liga).in 7 of last 8 away games.in 9 of last 10 home games against Real Madrid.in last 8 games against Real Madrid.in last 7 games against Real Madrid (La Liga).in 11 of last 12 games.in 27 of last 29 games (La Liga).in 13 of last 14 away games (La Liga).in last 10 games.in last 7 away games.
Comparison of Teams Stats
Other predictions
