Three talking points ahead of Villarreal vs Real Madrid | La Liga GW 28
After the intense and physically demanding Champions League outing against Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid must now shift their focus and recover quickly.
The team is riding high after securing a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but this achievement has come at a significant cost.
Injuries and fatigue have taken their toll, leaving Carlo Ancelotti with some difficult decisions ahead of their upcoming La Liga fixture.
Real Madrid will travel to face Villarreal on Saturday in what promises to be a challenging encounter, with three crucial points on the line in the ongoing title race against Barcelona and Atletico.
Squad depth tested
Following their exhausting battle at the Metropolitano, Ancelotti granted his players a much-needed day of rest on Thursday. The team endured an energy-draining extra time, which added to their wear and tear.
Now, they must prepare for a Villarreal side that will not make things easy. On the contrary, the Yellow Submarine will look to exploit Madrid’s fatigue by maintaining a high level of intensity.
This challenge is further amplified by Ancelotti’s tendency to make minimal changes to his starting lineup, meaning his key players could be pushed to their physical limits once again.
Real Madrid’s injury concerns continue to grow, with Ferland Mendy being the latest casualty. The French full-back was forced to leave the Euroderbi due to a muscle issue, and his absence adds to an already lengthy list of unavailable players.
Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Dani Ceballos, and Jesus Vallejo are also ruled out, further restricting Ancelotti’s options.
With only 18 outfield players available, including youth academy players Raul Asencio, Diego Aguado, and Victor Valdepenas, Real Madrid’s squad depth will be put to test when they take on Villarreal tomorrow.
A squad running on empty
It must also be noted that Antonio Rudiger, Federico Valverde, Raul Asencio, Thibaut Courtois, and Kylian Mbappe all ended the last match with fitness concerns.
While there are backup options available, such as Andriy Lunin, David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, Lucas Vazquez, and Brahim Diaz, there is still a risk that the physical demands of the season could take a toll.
Madrid have already played an exhausting 47 matches this campaign, and this relentless schedule increases the likelihood of more players suffering from fatigue or injuries.
Given this scenario, Ancelotti may need to rely on younger players like Arda Guler and Endrick, who have been used sparingly so far. Both could be handed an opportunity as Madrid attempt to navigate through this difficult period.
The Champions League quarter-finals loom large, and their pursuit of the La Liga title remains intense. Managing the squad’s fitness while maintaining performance levels will be a delicate balancing act for Ancelotti.
While Madrid’s depth is being tested to the limit, the club’s ability to handle adversity will define their season. The players will need to push through fatigue, step up in key moments, and find solutions to their attacking struggles if they want to keep their ambitions alive.
Tactical concerns add to the challenge
Beyond the issue of player fitness, Real Madrid’s recent performances have raised concerns. Their attacking output has diminished in recent matches, and the team’s overall play has lacked fluidity.
Rather than following a structured offensive strategy, Los Blancos have often relied on individual brilliance to create chances. Over their last five matches across all competitions, they have only managed to score six goals while conceding five.
This lack of cutting-edge could be a significant problem against a Villarreal side that will be eager to capitalise on any weaknesses.
Despite these struggles, Ancelotti remains confident in his squad’s ability to compete. Real Madrid are still in contention for all major trophies, but to keep their title hopes alive, they must find a way to overcome these mounting challenges.
The upcoming match against Villarreal is another test of their resilience, and how they respond could be crucial in determining the outcome of their season.
The trip to El Madrigal represents a crucial moment – one that could either solidify Real Madrid’s title credentials or expose their growing vulnerabilities. As the season enters its decisive phase, they have no choice but to respond with resilience and determination.
Topics
-
Just in: Real Madrid megastar a serious doubt vs Villarreal after missing training
Real Madrid are set to take on Villarreal on Saturday in their final La Liga fixture before the first international break of 2025.Having just about survived against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA ...Yahoo Sports - 11h -
Vinicius Junior scores incredible solo goal in Real Madrid's La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano
Real Madrid won 2-1 in La Liga play on Sunday with the Brazilian creating quite the momentCBS Sports - 5d -
Real Madrid eye €60 million La Liga talent as Trent Alexander-Arnold alternative – report
Real Madrid have made it an absolute priority to sign Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer transfer window.The England international’s contract with the Reds expires at the end ...Yahoo Sports - 4h -
European football: Mbappé on target as Real Madrid join Barça at top of La Liga
Vinícius Júnior also scores in 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano Getafe’s late double stuns Atlético; Napoli beat Fiorentina Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior scored in the first half to give Real ...The Guardian - 5d -
Atlético Madrid star misses group training ahead of Barcelona clash
La Liga giants Atlético Madrid could yet be forced to make do without a key member of their midfield ranks in the club’s upcoming showdown with Barcelona.The headline fixture of the weekend in Spai...Yahoo Sports - 5h -
Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid live stream, lineups: Where to watch UEFA Champions League, odds, pick, time
Real Madrid won the first leg 2-1CBS Sports - 2d -
Arsenal's title race ends with Man United draw, Real Madrid win ugly: Marcotti explains the weekend
Did Arsenal give up in the title race with Sunday's draw at struggling Man United? PLUS: Real Madrid get booed, but also get the three points as Gab Marcotti explains the weekend.ESPN - 3d -
Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid how to watch, odds, start time: Champions League Round of 16 picks, prediction
Jon Eimer locked in his best bets for Wednesday's Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid UEFA Champions League match in the Round of 16 on Paramount+CBS Sports - 2d -
Real Madrid's Asencio earns first Spain call-up
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has included Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio in the squad for the first time for the Nations League quarterfinal tie against the Netherlands in a squad that also ...ESPN - 2h
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Cooper Kupp to sign with Seattle Seahawks after Rams release, per report
The Rams released Cooper Kupp at the start of the new league year. He didn't last long on the free agent market as he joined the Seahawks.Yahoo Sports - 14m -
House and Jacksonville State defeat Middle Tennessee 70-68 in Conference USA Tournament semifinals
Yahoo Sports - 20m -
Justin Thomas threatens course record Friday at Players Championship, settles for 62
Thomas drained a 19-foot birdie putt at the 17th, the longest putt he made all day, and lifted his putter in celebration as it just tumbled in.Yahoo Sports - 21m -
2025 NFL Free Agency: WR Cooper Kupp agrees to three-year, 45 million with Seahawks
Kupp, a Yakima, WA native, is returning to his home state, days after being released by the Rams.Yahoo Sports - 21m -
State Champions: Braydon Caraballo, Nate Lambert, Nate Baker and Dom DeAngelo rewrite the record books on the way to winning 4x200 relay
PLATTSBURGH — By now you’ve heard the story of the Plattsburgh High boys 4x200 relay team. You know how they captured the NYSPHSAA State Championship, Saturday, at Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in ...Yahoo Sports - 21m
More in Sports
-
Cooper Kupp to sign with Seattle Seahawks after Rams release, per report
The Rams released Cooper Kupp at the start of the new league year. He didn't last long on the free agent market as he joined the Seahawks.Yahoo Sports - 14m -
Princeton vs. Yale odds, prediction, time: 2025 Ivy League Tournament semifinal picks, bets from proven model
SportsLine's model revealed its college basketball predictions for Yale Bulldogs vs. Princeton Tigers on Saturday in the 2025 Ivy League Tournament semifinalsCBS Sports - 17m -
Cooper Kupp signing with Seahawks: Former Rams star WR joining Seattle on three-year, $45M deal, per report
Kupp is taking his talents to SeattleCBS Sports - 19m -
Bruno hits back at Ratcliffe's 'overpaid' comments
Bruno Fernandes has hit back at Sir Jim Ratcliffe's suggestion that some Manchester United players are overpaid by telling the British billionaire "the club agrees to do the contracts."ESPN - 19m -
House and Jacksonville State defeat Middle Tennessee 70-68 in Conference USA Tournament semifinals
Yahoo Sports - 20m