Second-place Real Madrid take on third-place Villarreal in what promises to be a must-see La Liga bout just before the October international break.
What started as a perfect season for Real Madrid was quickly upended last weekend at the Metropolitano. Atlético Madrid secured a dominant 5–2 victory against their bitter rivals, handing Xabi Alonso’s men their first defeat in 2025–26.
Los Blancos bounced back three days later with a 5–0 win over Kairat in the Champions League, but they face a much bigger test in Villarreal on Saturday evening. The Yellow Submarine sit just two points behind Real Madrid in the La Liga standings, having won five of their opening seven league matches.
Recent matchups between the two clubs favor Real Madrid; Villarreal have collected three points against the Spanish giants only twice in their last 16 meetings. The clash set to unfold at the Santiago Bernabéu, though, is expected to be a much closer battle.
Here is guide to the La Liga match.






