Match Preview

Real Madrid return one last time for the final matchday of La Liga action where they host Villarreal.

This is perhaps the most important match of the season as Real must win if they hope to capture their 35th league title. They sit two points behind Atletico, who must also drop points if Real are to secure a trophy.

These two clubs last faced off back in November where a 1-1 stalemate was the result at the Estadio de la Ceramica. Villarreal still have one more crucial match left as they take on Manchester United in the Europa League Final on Wednesday.

This is sure to be an exciting conclusion as two matches will decide who is crowned the champions of the Spanish season.

Injuries/Suspensions

Real Madrid receive both Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos back from injuries. Toni Kroos and Eden Hazard will both miss this final match while Lucas Vazquez, Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal all remain out.

Villarreal will likely be without Samuel Chukwueze, Vicente Iborra and Juan Foyth due to injuries.

There are no suspensions in Saturday’s last stretch of play.

Potential XIs

Real Madrid

Courtois; Odriozola, Militao, Nacho, Miguel; Valverde, Casemiro, Modric; Rodrygo, Vinicius, Benzema

It will be interesting to see if Zidane remains with the backline duo of Eder Militao and Nacho, who have both been playing exceptional. Ramos has yet to sign an extension with the club so there’s a decent chance we see him at some point in this match.

Marcelo is available, but Miguel Gutierrez has played well enough to earn another start over him. Fede Valverde will be the likely step-in starter for the unavailable Toni Kroos.

Villarreal

Asenjo; Gaspar, Albiol, Torres, Moreno; Trigueros, Capoue, Parejo, Gomez; Moreno, Bacca

Prediction

Real Madrid—Villarreal 2-0

Real should be able to handle their own business at home and secure the three points necessary. They won’t have to wait for a result long as Atletico play Valladolid at the same time.

Villarreal have won their last two matches, but have lacked discipline and have taken red cards in their last several stretch of matches. Real must throw everything they have at El Submarino Amarillo.

This will come down to the wire and is sure to be an excruciating time to wait for the results to come in. It won’t be easy, but Real must hope for the best and handle first what they hold in their own hands.

If there’s been one thing Real Madrid has been able to do this season with all the injuries to the squad at various times, it’s dig deep and find a way to get results. This team should be proud at how well they’ve fought to compete for a title despite all the crucial injuries they have suffered this season.