Real Madrid Return to Action: Villarreal Opposition Preview

This Saturday, at 21:00 CEST, Real Madrid will return to action for the first time in three weeks, since the ill fated Madrid derby, when they host Villarreal for match day eight of the La Liga season. 

So, ahead of the game, what can we expect from the visitors? 

Villarreal are managed by Inigo Perez, who joined the club from Rayo Vallecano in the summer, having taken the capital based outfit to the UEFA Conference League final last season. 

He had been now Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola's assistant at Vallecano, and was meant to follow him to AFC Bournemouth in the summer of 2023, but a work permit meant it could not happen, and that same season he took over as number one. In the last two seasons, he held Real Madrid to a draw at home, and was seconds away from doing the same at the Bernabeu last season. 

It was the nightmare start for Perez at Villarreal, failing to win any of his first six games in charge, with four defeats and two draws, despite playing two newly promoted sides in that time. However, they have won both of their last two games 3-1, away to Malaga (also newly promoted), and at home to Levante. 

In terms of dangermen, Real Madrid will have to be wary of midfielder Pape Gueye, who is a very athletic player that has developed a reputation for popping up with a goal, and has already done so three times in the league this season. 

Georgian striker Georges Mikautadze is a very clever player, and has scored two La Liga goals as well as providing one assist this season. He also registered an assist against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League, showing that he is a lot mroe than just a number nine. 

Meanwhile, winger Nicolas Pepe has found a second wind in his career since joining the Yellow Submarine in the summer of 2024, and he also has two strikes in La Liga this campaign. 

On the opposite side, Alberto Moleiro has had a bright start to the season and there were even shouts for him to be called up to the Spain national team last month. He has scored two goals, provided three assists and created four big chances in La Liga since the start of the season. 

Possible Villarreal XI vs Real Madrid; Gulacsi; Freeman, Navarro, Veiga, Cardona; Pepe, Saliba, Gueye, Moleiro; Perez, Moreno.