All eyes will be on Estadio de la Ceramica as two of La Liga's top three teams battle for supremacy on Saturday, 24 January 2026.
View our free Villarreal vs Real Madrid predictions below.
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Villarreal vs Real Madrid predictions: Goals expected
Key stats
- At least three goals were scored in seven of Real Madrid's last eight encounters with Villarreal.
- Five of both teams’ last seven respective games produced goals at both ends.
- Real Madrid were victorious in their last three clashes with Villarreal.
Correct score prediction: Villarreal 1-3 Real Madrid
With their disappointing home defeat against Ajax in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week, Villarreal have now suffered five defeats in their last seven matches across all competitions.
On the other hand, Real Madrid are coming off a comfortable 6-1 victory over Monaco. They have won seven of their last nine matches across all competitions, averaging almost three goals per game in that stretch.
Moreover, Real Madrid came out on top in their last three clashes with Villarreal and are unbeaten in five consecutive encounters between these sides (W4, D1).
Taking everything into account, we believe that Los Blancos will come out on top after all is said and done.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Villarreal up against it
- HOME: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
- DRAW: 14/5 (3.80) – 26.3%
- AWAY: 1/1 (2.00) – 50%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Villarreal followed last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Real Betis with another disappointing performance, losing 2-1 at home against heavy underdogs Ajax, even though the Yellow Submarine took the lead in the second half.
In contrast, Real Madrid are coming off back-to-back wins and have won their last four La Liga games. They are second in the Spanish top flight ahead of their skirmish with third-placed Villarreal.
On that note, Real Madrid are the expected winners at 1/1 (2.00). Teams with these odds generally have a 50% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Villarreal vs Real Madrid predictions.
Also, keeping in mind that seven of Real Madrid's last nine matches produced at least 11 corners, over 10.5 total corners has an appealing look at 21/20 (2.05). That one has a 48.8% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Business as usual for Real Madrid?
Real Madrid have been the dominant side in recent clashes between these sides, with four wins and a draw in their last five H2Hs. Los Blancos have not lost at this stadium since January 2023.
Spain La Liga 04/10/25
Real Madrid
Villarreal
Spain La Liga 15/03/25
Villarreal
Real Madrid
Spain La Liga 05/10/24
Real Madrid
Villarreal
Spain La Liga 19/05/24
Villarreal
Real Madrid
Spain La Liga 17/12/23
Real Madrid
Villarreal
Villarreal preview: Looking to halt their losing run
As has been the case in recent months, Logan Costa (ACL), Pau Cabanes (ACL), and Willy Kambwala (knee) will not be in action for Villarreal this weekend as they are nursing injuries.
Santiago Mourino has accumulated the maximum allowable number of yellow cards and is suspended for this game alongside Santi Comesana, who was sent off last time against Real Betis.
Forwards Gerard Moreno and Georges Mikautadze both started Tuesday's UEFA Champions League defeat to Ajax from the bench. However, both players are expected to feature against Real Madrid at Estadio de la Ceramica from the first whistle.
Predicted lineup: Junior (GK), Navarro, Foyth, Veiga, Pedraza, Buchanan, Gueye, Parejo, Moleiro, Moreno & Mikautadze.
Last five matches
- Villarreal 1-2 Ajax
- Real Betis 2-0 Villarreal
- Villarreal 3-1 Alaves
- Elche 1-3 Villarreal
- Villarreal 0-2 Barcelona
Real Madrid preview: Eyeing their third consecutive victory
Real Madrid have a few injury concerns ahead of this game, as defenders Eder Militao, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy, and Antonio Rudiger are ruled out of this trip.
Promising defender Raul Asencio suffered what appeared to be a leg injury during Tuesday's commanding win over Monaco in the UEFA Champions League and is now doubtful for this contest.
Rodrygo Goes and Andriy Lunin have both recovered from their physical discomforts and are ready to offer their services when called upon, but holding midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni will play no part here as he has accumulated the maximum allowable number of yellow cards.
Predicted lineup: Courtois (GK), Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras, Camavinga, Bellingham, Guler, Mastantuono, Vinicius Jr & Mbappe.
Last five matches
- Real Madrid 6-1 Monaco
- Real Madrid 2-0 Levante
- Albacete 3-2 Real Madrid
- Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid
- Atletico Madrid 1-2 Real Madrid
Player to watch: Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe scored a brace in Real Madrid's 6-1 victory over Monaco earlier this week. The former Paris Saint-Germain forward is La Liga's top scorer with 19 goals in as many appearances. He will fancy his chances against Villarreal after scoring three goals and registering an assist in the last two encounters between these teams.