Real Madrid - Villarreal live online: scores, stats and updates, LaLiga 2023/24
Gerard Moreno is down at the moment and the grimace on his face suggests it's rather a painful knock. The challenge appeared innocuous.
The forward is back on his feet but moving gingerly. Let's see if he can continue.
Straight back up the other end and Ilias pulls the trigger from distance. It finds its way through several sets of legs but Lunin is happy to watch it go wide of his upright.
Following an exchange of possession in the middle of the park, Madrid push the attack button and Brahin finds himself with a single marker on the right side of goal. A drop of the shoulder, short backlift and powerful striker follows, but Jorgensen parries comfortably enough at his near post.
It's been all Madrid in this brief opening period but the visitors have just shown their threat, a breakaway leading to three attempts at goal, the best falling to Akhomach.
Decent reminder to the hosts that they won't have it all their way.
Jude again. This time the midfielder is all alone in the Villarreal box as a terrible attempt at a header back to Jorgensen lands with him. He probably couldn't have imagined that he didn't have a huge Danish keeper bearing down on him so tried to power a header from seven yards. It didn't work.
We've just had our first glimpse of Bellingham's class as he glides past his covering defender with the most simple of feints. His cross is just too long but that looked too easy.
Modric is incensed (well, in a mild, Modricy type way) as the ref calls hand ball against him in the middle of the park. The call was right but I can see why the Croatian was frustrated as the knock-on had a negligible effect on his play.
Madrid didn't take long to get the ball back and get most of the XI to have a very early touch. Kroos ends the first period of possession by pinging it out wide to Lucas but the cross is well defended and cleared.
Kick-off
And the whistle goes for the start of the game. Villarreal get us going, shooting from right to left as I look on.
Before we get the ball rolling, there is a minute of rememberance for former Madrid player Jose Luna. Perfectly observed.
The players are out on the pitch and there's a lot of love being shown, hugs between players, and a big embrace between the two experienced managers. Maybe it's the festive spirit kicking in...
Kick-off is getting close
The stadium is almost full as we hit the five-minute mark ahead of the action. Warm ups have been completed without any injuries, as far as I can see, and the final words of advice will be getting given in the changing rooms.
Bellingham targets contributions
One more note about the English superstar, for now at least. As per the attached post from ESPN, Bellingham has fallen behind Victor Boniface (how good would it be if he joined a Scottish team) in the race to be Europe's top goal contributor this season.
He can certainly do something about that in the next couple of hours, and who'd be brave enough to bet against it?
Hey Jude, blow me a kiss
No doubt you'll have seen multiple angles of Bellingham's goal against Betis. It was a lovely calm piece of finishing. But did you see what he did as he ran away to celebrate?
Spotting a lone Madridista in a sea of green he blew out a kiss and pointed right at them. Stay classy, Jude.
Bellingham brilliance
In his first 14 Games for Madrid, the English youngster, has already scored 12. Incredible return had he been a striker, but he's not.
Despite the fanfare and multiple glowing headlines that news outlets (yes, including this one!) continue to churn out over the player, I found it interesting speaking with some seasoned club members recently. Although they are delighted with his early form, the are cautious, believing that Jude is likely to go through some less spectacular spells, and fans need to remain patient as he grows at the club. Wise words.
Last time out: Madrid draw, Villarreal lose
It was a disappointing showing in both these sides' last outing in LaLiga.
Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Betis which allowed Girona to take advantage. Villarreal were soundly beaten 3-0 by Real Sociedad and have much improving to do.
Marcelino marches in Madrid
Well, he sort of steps around the pitch casually, although note how he stamps the surface purposefully. Small margins.
REAL MADRID
Watch: Real Madrid’s 360º scoreboard nearing completion at revamped Bernabéu
Progress continues to made on the cutting-edge video screen that’s currently being installed at Real Madrid’s Bernabéu stadium. Here's a quick look at what those inside can see.
Who's in goal for Madrid?
The answer to that question is Lunin.
Yes, the Real Madrid gaffer has plumped for the Ukrainian with Chelsea loanee Kepa on the bench. Here's a piece we did about Lunin's wife who said “If there is a club where he plays, we will leave Madrid”
Ancelotti's Villarreal challenge
Carlo Ancelotti's record with Real Madrid in LaLiga when facing Villarreal shows a winning percentage of only 25%, with two wins, four draws, and two losses in eight matches.
This is his second-lowest success rate against any team in the league, slightly better than his 22% win rate against Atlético Madrid, where he has two wins, two draws, and five losses in 9 games.
Thanks OptaJose!
Villarreal XI
Marcelino's starters:
Jorgensen; Altimira, Albiol, Mandi, Pedraza; Capoue, Parejo, Baena; Ilias, Morales, Gerard Moreno.
Real Madrid XI
Ancelotti's starters:
Lunin; Lucas, Rüdiger, Alaba, Mendy; Kroos, Modric, Valverde, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Brahim.
Bernabéu ready
How much have we all dreamed about stepping out to play in a competitive match here at the Santiago Bernabéu? If only we hadn't chosen a different path, right?
With around an hour till kick-off, the streets and bars around here are filling up nicely, and that will soon filter into the stands.
"We have the weapons to cause Real Madrid problems, but..."
Thanks for the quick reply Señor Marcelino. Here's more of what he had to say.
“There are injuries. There are many in some specific positions, but that’s no excuse. We have to compete. We have to give everything in the two remaining games. The setting and the opponent make this match one of the most attractive of the season. We have optimism, ambition to try to win. They have 19 points out of a possible 21 and have only conceded three goals. We have the weapons to hurt them. Now we just need the right approach to do it.”
“We’ll try not to concede. If we manage to do that, we’ll win a point. But we can’t just think about defending. Football involves dominating all phases of the Game. Balance gives you the chance to win Games with continuity.”
How they stand: Villarreal
Just three points off the relegation places will be a massive concern for the Yellow Submarine and so taking something from this game, despite it being one of the toughest fixtures in the schedule, would be a much-needed confidence boost.
Do they have the weapons to cause Madrid problems though? If only someone could answer that in the next post...
| T | MP | W | D | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 OSA | 19 | 17 | 5 | 4 | 8 |
13 ALA | 16 | 16 | 4 | 4 | 8 |
14 VLL | 16 | 16 | 4 | 4 | 8 |
15 MLL | 15 | 17 | 2 | 9 | 6 |
16 SEV | 13 | 16 | 2 | 7 | 7 |
How they stand: Real Madrid
As you can see - and i may have mentioned it in my intro - Los Blancos need a win to keep the pressure on Girona at the top of LaLiga, and will take first place for at least 24ish hours.
They'll also want to keep a sizeable gap between them and those chasing behind.
| T | MP | W | D | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 GIR | 41 | 16 | 13 | 2 | 1 |
2 RMA | 39 | 16 | 12 | 3 | 1 |
3 BCN | 35 | 17 | 10 | 5 | 2 |
4 ATM | 34 | 16 | 11 | 1 | 4 |
5 ATH | 32 | 17 | 9 | 5 | 3 |
REAL MADRID-VILLARREAL
Possible lineup for Real Madrid vs. Villarreal in LaLiga matchday 17 clash
Earlier today we had a look at the team news and injuries coming into it. As our Will explained, the good news for Carlo Ancelotti as Christmas looms is a recovery room gradually being cleared as more and more fit players return to the squad ahead of a busy spell for Madrid.
Aurélien Tchouameni was back in a pre-Game squad list for the first time in over a month and a half after injuring his left foot in El Clásico against Barça. Los Blancos do still have plenty of absentees however with the likes of Carvajal, Camavinga, Vinicius, Arda Güler, Courtois or Militao still missing.
Confirmed line-ups coming soon...
Lego-time for Villarreal
A slightly different approach but I rather like it, especially the focused little faces on them, and some questionable beard action.
How much 'blocking' will the away defence be involved in tonight?
Madrid go graphic style
I always like to dip into the minds of the social media teams ahead of big games and you can see the folks managing the white account have got some snazzy graphics overlay going on.
Let's pop over to Villarreal next and see what they've done...
LALIGA
Real Madrid - Villarreal: times, how to watch on TV and stream online | LaLiga
Did you know that there are also television streams of this game doing the rounds? Crazy, right? Despite my words bringing the game to life you can also have colourful pixels jumping around on another screen.
To help you find your most appropriate provider, our Andy has put together this handy guide. He's kind like that!
Hello and a very warm welcome to you. My name's Calum and I'm here to take you through all the action (well, all the action that matters, at least) from the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu as Real Madrid host Villarreal in LaLiga EA Sports.
Los Blancos come into this game second in the Spanish league, but can jump ahead of surprise package Girona at the summit, with them playing on Monday against Alavés.
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