Home SPORTS Real Madrid vs Villarreal: Can Los Blancos Bounce Back?

Real Madrid vs Villarreal: Can Los Blancos Bounce Back?

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Real Madrid vs Villarreal: Can Los Blancos Bounce Back?
Villarreal seeks to upset Real Madrid in La Liga clash


La Liga leaders Real Madrid take on Villarreal seeking to regain momentum after a 5-2 thrashing at the hands of Atletico Madrid. Can Real Madrid overcome Villarreal and maintain their lead in La Liga?


“They can say many things about me, but under no circumstances can they say that I refuse to play...”


Real Madrid is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in the derby last weekend. Xabi Alonso's team will host Villarreal on Saturday, aiming to get their La Liga campaign back on track. The Spanish coach is seeking to end his team's poor run against top sides, which has raised concerns about their ability to compete with elite teams.


The 5-2 defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid was a significant setback for Real Madrid, exposing vulnerabilities that need to be addressed. The team's struggles against top-tier opponents, including a 4-0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup, have sparked doubts about their title aspirations. Alonso's side has been ruminating on the loss, with some players expressing frustration and disappointment.


Despite the challenges, Real Madrid remains competitive in La Liga, trailing Barcelona by just one point and leading Villarreal by two. The match against Villarreal will be a crucial test for Alonso's team, and a positive result could restore confidence and silence doubters.


However, some players are still dwelling on the defeat. Striker Kylian Mbappe emphasized the need for the team to learn from their mistakes, stating that they “cannot forget” what happened and must work harder to avoid similar performances in the future.


Midfielder Fede Valverde attributed the loss to a lack of “attitude,” revealing that the players had discussed the issue among themselves and with the coaching staff. Valverde's comments echo the team's struggles in big games, including a 4-0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup this summer. Alonso, however, believes that blaming the team's attitude oversimplifies the issue, pointing to problems with rhythm and tactical elements that the staff are reviewing.


Alonso dropped Valverde for the Champions League match against Kairat Almaty, where Real Madrid won 5-0. Jude Bellingham, on the other hand, was benched but introduced as a substitute. Alonso's approach suggests a desire to shake up the team and find a winning formula, with the upcoming match against Villarreal presenting a new challenge.


Real Madrid hosts Villarreal on Saturday, aiming to bounce back from their derby defeat. The match will be a test of the team's mettle, following losses to top sides like Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid. Despite the challenges, Kylian Mbappe's impressive form has been a bright spot, with 13 goals in just nine appearances across all competitions.




Federico Valverde, Real Madrid's Uruguayan midfielder, recently expressed his discomfort with playing as a right-back, stating he “wasn't born to play full-back” due to his lack of experience in that position. Despite his concerns, Valverde emphasized his willingness to adapt and play wherever the team needs him, highlighting his dedication to the club.


Contrary to expectations that Valverde would fill in at right-back following Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal's injuries, Xabi Alonso chose Raul Asencio for the role in the match against Kairat Almaty. Speculation arose that Valverde's comments might have influenced Alonso's decision. In response, Valverde took to social media, denying any refusal to play and expressing sadness over the situation, while reaffirming his commitment to Real Madrid.


Alonso addressed the situation, stating that none of his players have refused to play out of position and that Valverde is “always ready.” The coach emphasized the importance of team dynamics and his role in making tough decisions. Despite the controversy, Alonso's management has shown positives, and he seems determined to maintain a strong team environment.




Valverde's situation has drawn attention from top clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, who are reportedly interested in signing him in January, depending on how his situation unfolds at Real Madrid. However, Real Madrid currently has no intention of letting him go, and Valverde's contract runs until June 2029.


“They can say many things about me, but under no circumstances can they say that I refuse to play.


“I have given everything and more for this club, I have played with fractures, injuries and I have never complained or asked for a break.”


Xabi Alonso is working to find the perfect fit for Jude Bellingham in Real Madrid's lineup. After struggling in his first start of the season against Atletico Madrid, Bellingham was benched against Kairat but later introduced as a substitute. Alonso's challenge lies in balancing Bellingham's dynamic play with the team's tactical discipline, ensuring he doesn't disrupt the team's shape.




Alonso wants Bellingham to be a midfielder who controls the tempo, rather than just reaching the box. This vision requires Bellingham to temper his natural inclination to roam freely and instead focus on maintaining positions and working cohesively with the team. The coach believes Bellingham can be a decisive player in Real Madrid's success, but it will take time and patience to mold him into the desired role.


In Bellingham's absence, Arda Guler has stepped up and filled the gap perfectly. Guler's impressive performance has seen him score and provide assists, showcasing his skills as a playmaker. With Bellingham's return, Guler may need to adapt to a different role, but Alonso seems confident that the two players can complement each other well.


Vinicius Junior appeared frustrated when substituted off against Kairat, highlighting the competitive nature of the team. Alonso will be keen to ensure that his star players are utilized effectively and that their talents are maximized for the benefit of the team.


Real Madrid is set to face Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu, looking to bounce back from their recent derby loss to Atletico Madrid. Currently, Real Madrid trails Barcelona by one point and leads Villarreal by two points in the La Liga standings. The match, scheduled for October 4, 2025, will be another test of Real Madrid's mettle against top-tier opponents.




Last season, they were knocked out of the Champions League quarterfinals by Arsenal under Carlo Ancelotti. Xabi Alonso's team will aim to silence critics with a strong performance against Villarreal.




Real Madrid's impressive run in La Liga has seen them facing mostly teams from the bottom half of the table, with a notable exception being their match against Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu. Their upcoming match against Villarreal will be a test of their form. Currently, Real Madrid is set to face Villarreal CF on October 4, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabeu.


One of the standout positives for Real Madrid has been the exceptional form of Kylian Mbappe. With 13 goals in just nine appearances across all competitions, Mbappe continues to impress. His stats for Real Madrid are equally impressive, having scored 8 goals in 7 league matches. Mbappe's average goals per 90 minutes stand at 1.01, placing him top in La Liga.


Meanwhile, Hansi Flick's Barcelona will be looking to maintain their lead at the top of La Liga as they visit Sevilla on Sunday. Their match will be a crucial test of their form and tactics. With Mbappe and other top players in form, La Liga is shaping up to be an exciting competition.



Luis Milla: Getafe's Creative Spark

Getafe's midfielder Luis Milla is enjoying an impressive start to the season. With four assists to his name, Milla is currently the most creative player in La Liga, playing a crucial role in Getafe's solid campaign under coach Jose Bordalas. Despite their unorthodox style, Getafe is sitting comfortably in the upper mid-table and will look to build on their momentum when they take on Osasuna on Friday. Milla's vision and passing ability will be key to Getafe's success in this match.


Key stats

1 - Sevilla league win at home in the whole of 2025

2 - teams left unbeaten this season - champions Barcelona and promoted side Elche

200 - Antoine Griezmann reached a milestone figure for Atletico goals this week in the Champions League










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