Match Preview

Real Madrid return to action for their third match of the LaLiga season. They travel Sunday to Villarreal for their second road match in this early season at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

Real have had an awful time with injuries so far. This past week, Los Blancos added both James and Isco to the growing injury list. It has been absolutely devastating to see all these injuries racking up for the club so early into the season.

As for the individual club performances so far, Real of course drew to Valladolid last weekend after conceding a late goal to Sergi Guardiola late in the match. Villarreal have yet to win a match so far, drawing to Granada in their home opener and then losing to Levante last weekend on the road.

Villarreal lost some significant players over the summer window, including Pablo Fornals and former Real player Denis Cheryshev. Real will also likely encounter former defender Raul Albiol after he joined El Submarino Amarillo from Napoli this summer.

With Real adding more players to the injury list, it’s even more crucial that Real put in a full performance to ensure three points after unnecessarily dropping two points to Valladolid. Barcelona once again dropped points when they drew to Osasuna on Saturday, once again Real must capitalize on this situation if they want to get ahead early in the LaLiga title race.

Injuries/Suspensions

Real Madrid have not released Sunday’s official squad as of the time of writing.

Real Madrid have a lengthy injury list as aforementioned, including: Marco Asensio, Rodrygo, Isco, James and Brahim. Hazard is due back soon, but he likely won’t be ready for Sunday’s match just yet. Modric is back from suspension after missing the Valladolid match last weekend.

Villarreal are still without Bruno Soriano, who has been out of action with a leg injury for about two years now. They will also likely be without midfielder Rubén Peña, who is still recovering from injury.

Potential XIs

Real Madrid

Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Bale, Vincius, Benzema

With Isco and James likely both missing, Modric will most definitely slide right back into his starting spot after serving suspension against Valladolid last weekend.

With so many other injuries to the squad, most of the starting lineup will likely remain the same against Villarreal on Sunday.

Villarreal

Fernández; Mario Gaspar, Albiol, Torres, Alberto Moreno; Iborra, Cazorla; Chukwueze, Gómez; Bacca, Gerard Moreno

Prediction

Villarreal—Real Madrid 2-3

Real Madrid are looking for a win after blowing a 1-0 lead late to Valladolid last Saturday. Villarreal have no won a match so far as previously mentioned, it’s important Real further this trend on Sunday night. Despite the injuries, Real still have a strong squad that should be able to capture all three points.

Real have been better on the road than at home recently, this is a match where they could favor better. The injuries certainly hinder the bench, but the starting should remain strong enough to garner a favorable result.

As aforementioned, Real certainly need a win at La Cerámica. For one, they would love to bounce back after last weekend’s disappointing blow late in the match. And for two, a Real win could gain an edge on Barcelona after they dropped points again.

This will be a tough match for Real, regardless. Villarreal always play Real tough and this one will likely be no different as Los Blancos hunt for all three points on the road.