Real Madrid hosts Villarreal this Saturday at the Bernabeu. It's matchday 8 of LaLiga, and the merengues must travel to take the 3 points since a defeat could make them arrive at the Clasico against Barcelona with a difference of 9 units with respect to the blaugranas. It is also an interesting match for the simple fact of seeing how Madridismo receives its team, after a defeat in the Madrid derby and a somewhat controversial international break for some of its players.

Injuries and doubts for the match:

Real Madrid: Federico Valverde (ankle), Eder Militao (muscle), Rodrygo (knee), Ferland Mendy (hip), Raul Asencio (leg) and Dean Huijsen (suspended)

Villarreal: Tajon Buchanan (hamstring)

GK: Thibaut Courtois - The Belgian remains a symbol of security in the merengue goal. He remains committed to being his best at Madrid, which is why he decided to step away from the Belgian national team.

RB: Denzel Dumfries - One of the best right backs in the world. His physical power always helps the team because he can contribute both defensively and offensively. We still have not seen his best offensive version due to the scheme Mourinho uses, but he always has good performances.

CB: Ibrahima Konate - There was doubt about his participation in the match due to his injury during the international break with the French national team, but everything seems to indicate that he will be available to start the match.

CB: Antonio Rudiger - Although he's currently the third defender at Madrid (behind Konate and Dean Huijsen), he is still in great shape to play for the Chamartin team. Author of the only white goal in the Madrid derby, he looks to earn his place after Huijsen's absence.

LB: Marc Cucurella - The team's fast tempo has kept his full potential on the left flank from being fully seen yet. But the ex-Chelsea player always offers a supreme ability to wear down the opponent.

MC: Aurelien Tchouameni - One of Mourinho's favorites for his physical power. His defensive work, stealing balls in midfield to then get the forwards playing, is excellent.

MC: Bernardo Silva - The Portuguese will replace the injured Valverde; his role will focus more on creating play and delivering dangerous balls to the forwards.

AM: Jude Bellingham - He comes off a great international break with his national team, so it is expected he'll continue to show the attacking power that lets him break defensive lines with ease.

LW: Vinicius Jr. - The Brazilian could start again, as the coach fully trusts him and wants him back on the scoring path. His participation in this match could be key to determining the number of minutes he will see against Barcelona.

RW: Arda Guler - One of Real Madrid's rough diamonds. He has been seen as very involved and creative this season so he would start against Villarreal.

ST: Kylian Mbappe - After a few complicated weeks on social media, the Frenchman will have to show what he can do on the field to calm the fanbase. A mediocre performance could be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

Goalkeeper: Peter Gulacsi

Defenders: Alex Freeman, Pau Navarro, Renato Veiga, Sergi Cardona

Midfielders: Nicolas Pepe, Nathan Saliba, Pape Gueye, Alberto Moleiro

Forwards: Gerard Moreno, Ayoze Perez.