Real Madrid will face Villarreal on Saturday, January 23, 2025, in a pivotal La Liga match at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Currently sitting in third place, Villarreal poses a significant challenge for Los Blancos, who are eager to maintain their position just one point behind Barcelona. The stakes are high as Real Madrid aims to avoid slipping further behind, especially as Barcelona prepares to face bottom-tier Real Oviedo.
Real Madrid comes into this match after a commanding 6-1 victory over AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League, where Vinicius Jr. shone with a goal and two assists. This emphatic win has boosted morale within the squad, silencing previous criticisms from fans following their lackluster performance against Levante.
Villarreal, on the other hand, has struggled in their Champions League campaign, suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to Ajax. They have not secured a win in their last seven matches, losing six of those and finding themselves at the bottom of their European group. Nevertheless, their league form remains more promising, as they currently sit third in La Liga and have a game in hand over both Real Madrid and Barcelona. A win against Real Madrid could narrow the gap to just four points.
Despite their better league standing, Villarreal is coming off a disappointing 2-0 loss to Real Betis. In their previous meeting earlier this season, Real Madrid triumphed 3-1, with a standout performance from Vinicius Jr., which contributed significantly to their victory.
Historically, Real Madrid has had a challenging time at the Estadio de la Cerámica, managing only one win in their last eight league visits. That victory came last season, thanks to a brace from Kylian Mbappe. This record adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming match, as both teams will be looking to assert their dominance.
As for player news, Rodrygo has returned to training following an injury, although he may not be fit enough to start. He could potentially be available on the bench. In contrast, Antonio Rudiger continues to struggle with a knee injury, casting doubt on his participation. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding Raul Asencio, which could pose a significant challenge for coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
Betting odds reflect the competitive nature of this matchup, with Villarreal at +235, a draw at +290, and Real Madrid favored at +100. For those interested in total goals, Villarreal is set at 1.5 (Over +105; Under -155), while Real Madrid is also at 1.5 (Over -160; Under +110).
Fans can catch the action live across various platforms, with broadcasts available on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes in the United States, TSN+ in Canada, and Disney+ in the United Kingdom.
This clash not only holds implications for the title race in La Liga but also serves as a critical test for both teams as they navigate their respective challenges in European and domestic competitions.
