Real Madrid is set to host Villarreal this Saturday at the iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, in a pivotal match just before the season`s second international break. Under the guidance of coach Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos had maintained a flawless record of six consecutive LaLiga victories before suffering a significant 5-2 defeat in the Madrid Derby against Atletico Madrid last week. This upcoming clash with Villarreal presents a prime opportunity for the team to bounce back and demonstrate their strength in front of their home supporters. Midweek saw the squad undertake a demanding 4000-mile journey for a Champions League group stage fixture against Kairat, where they secured a dominant 5-0 win.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, October 4th
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Alonso`s Pre-Match Remarks
Ahead of the Villarreal fixture, Real Madrid`s coach, Xabi Alonso, shared his expectations for the team`s response following the disappointing defeat to Atletico Madrid:
“What I`m thinking about is how I want us to react. I want us to play well, with intensity, quality and as a team. I`m not asking for anything, we have to be the ones to give it everything. We have to be proactive with our game because we know that`s the best way for people to enjoy it. We want that and we want to win the match, but in the way we intend to. We spend a lot of time together and we have that intimacy of preparing for matches, celebrating victories and feeling the pain of defeats. That brings us closer together and makes us very united. I have always noticed that confidence and closeness with the players, knowing my place. But respecting each other and working hand in hand. That is fundamental for me.”
Projected Lineups
Real Madrid Starting XI:
- Thibaut Courtois
- Raul Asencio
- Eder Militao
- Dean Huijsen
- Alvaro Carreras
- Federico Valverde
- Aurelien Tchouameni
- Arda Guler
- Jude Bellingham
- Vinicius Junior
- Kylian Mbappe
Villarreal Starting XI:
- Luiz Junior
- Santiago Mourino
- Rafa Marin
- Renato Veiga
- Sergi Cardona
- Pape Gueye
- Thomas Partey
- Alberto Moleiro
- Tani Oluwaseyi
- Georges Mikautadze
- Manor Solomon
