Real Madrid XI vs Villarreal- Predicted lineup and team news

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·24 de enero de 2026

Real Madrid XI vs Villarreal- Predicted lineup and team news

Real Madrid head to Estadio de la Cerámica aiming to snatch the La Liga summit. Trailing leaders Barcelona by a single point, a win becomes essential ahead of the Catalans’ Sunday clash with Real Oviedo.

Alvaro Arbeloa, who took charge this January, has improved the team’s performance after Real Madrid’s initial losses, highlighted by a crushing 6-1 Champions League rout of Monaco midweek. Third-placed Villarreal, holding 41 points plus a fixture to play, pose a tough test at home following Barcelona’s recent end to their impressive 14-game unbeaten run at the venue.

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Real Madrid team news

Under Arbeloa, Real Madrid’s early 2026 form blends inconsistency with progress. Highlights feature the 6-1 demolition of Monaco on January 20—with Kylian Mbappé netting twice—plus a solid 2-0 La Liga triumph against Levante on January 17. Across their past six outings in all competitions, they’ve claimed four victories, marked by explosive scoring in standout performances.

Defensively, Real Madrid grapple with major gaps: Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh issue), Éder Militão (hamstring), Ferland Mendy (hamstring), and Antonio Rüdiger (knee) stay out. Aurélien Tchouaméni’s suspension from accumulated bookings leaves Arbeloa without his key midfielder, who appeared in 18 of 20 La Liga games.

On a brighter note, Rodrygo returns from a slight muscle strain picked up in the Spanish Super Cup, having delivered six goal involvements over seven prior outings. Brahim Díaz rejoins the squad post-AFCON. Arbeloa verified the update in Friday’s briefing: “Rodrygo is back”.