Villarreal vs Real Madrid Prediction & Betting Tips (24 January)

Villarreal is placed on the 3rd step of the podium, 7 lengths behind Real Madrid. The stakes of this meeting are immense since in the event of victory, the Yellow Submarine would come within 4 points of Real Madrid and 5 points of FC Barcelona. On the other hand, conversely, a setback or even a draw would prevent them from making a giant leap towards the title race. Last weekend, on the Betis pitch, Villarreal missed out by losing by two goals 2-0. The first defeat of 2026 in the elite. Before that, Villarreal won its two posters. On the other side of the median, we find a Real Madrid in crisis, booed by its own public during the victory against Levante last weekend 2-0, and yet, we are talking about a Real Madrid runner-up to Barcelona with a small point behind.

The reasons for the madridistas' bronca, however, remain justified, since their team suffered the shame following the exit from the road in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey on the turf of Albacete defeat 3-2. For the record, over the last 10 editions of the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid has only qualified for the semi-finals 3 times. A few days earlier, the Merengue had already lost a chance of a title by losing, like last year, against Barça in the final of the Spanish Super Cup 3-2. Already two major trophies passing under the noses of Arbeloa's men. However, the two most important remain, La Liga and the Champions League. To talk about the Champions League, Casa Blanca hosted Monaco this week, results to follow. 

2 major elements of Marcelino will not participate in this game, in this case the midfielder Comesana and the right side Mourino, both suspended. Unhappy finalist of the African Cup of Nations with Morocco, Akhomach will likely be back in the squad. Ditto for the one who held up the trophy and scored in the final, Pape Gueye. On the other hand, long-time absentees like Logan Costa, Kambwala and Pau Cabanes will remain with the trainers. Thiago Fernandez (just arrived from Velez Sarsfield) accompanies them to the infirmary. Villarreal will be able to rely on the precious Moleiro (8 goals, 3 assists in La Liga), Georges Mikautadze (ex-Lyon), Gérard Moreno, Ayoze Perez, Nicolas Pepe, Buchanan and even Dani Parejo. Absent in the Champions League during the week due to injury, Rodrygo and Rüdiger could miss this trip to the Ceramica.

Same for Militao, no return before March. Replacement goalkeeper Lunin would be injured as would Trent Alexander-Arnold, a real enigma for his start to his career in Madrid. Still in the defensive sector, Ferland Mendy will not be reinstated while his compatriot Aurélien Tchouameni will have to serve a suspension. Brahim Diaz, probably psychologically affected following the events in the final with Morocco (failed penalty via a failed panenka as well) could remain rested and not play today. Against Levante, Kylian Mbappé Lottin scored his 19th goal in La Liga but above all his 30th of the season for club in all competitions. Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr are completely at a standstill and need to regain their level, which made them 3rd and 2nd in the Ballon d'Or rankings in 2024. 

• Summary: Villarreal is going head to head with Real Madrid starting on 24 Jan 2026 at 20:00 UTC at Estadio de la Ceramica stadium, Villarreal city, Spain. The match is a part of the LaLiga .
• Villarreal Feedinco Rating: 6.90
• Real Madrid Feedinco Rating: 7.09