Real Madrid return to action against Villarreal
By Neel Shelat
Madrid’s disappointing defensive record
The one thing fans would have expected from José Mourinho on his return to Real Madrid would have been a solid defence, but that has not yet materialised. Los Blancos currently rank eighth in terms of goals conceded in LaLiga this season. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five games, with their only shutout of the campaign coming against newly-promoted Málaga.
The record Spanish champions certainly aren’t short of attacking quality, though finding the right balance is a challenge. Before they can focus on that, though, their experienced Portuguese tactician will need to prioritise shoring the team up at the back if they are to pose a serious title challenge.
Iñigo Pérez aiming to deliver a statement performance
At the time the move was announced, Villarreal and Iñigo Pérez seemed to be a match made in heaven. After consecutive Champions League qualifications playing a solid yet attractive brand of football under Marcelino, the club went for an exciting young coach who had a track record of overperforming at Rayo Vallecano. The idea must have been that his intense pressing approach could help the team develop even further.
In fairness, the early days of such a tactical shift can be rough, but both parties would definitely have been left disappointed with their start to the season. Villarreal failed to win their first six games across all competitions, only picking up two points. They did climb up the table before the international break, but their only wins came against relegation-battlers.
The Yellow Submarine are yet to produce a proper statement performance under their new head coach, and what better place to do it than the Bernabéu?
Team news
All eyes will be on the Real Madrid teamsheet to see where Kylian Mbappé’s name is. He sat out most of the international break due to a knee hyperextension, but is expected to be fit for this fixture. His compatriot Ibrahima Konaté did not feature for Les Bleus but will also be available. Federico Valverde picked up an injury in the Madrid derby that might limit his involvement. Éder Militão and Ferland Mendy have returned to training, but Raúl Asencio and the suspended Dean Huijsen are definitely out. Rodrygo remains unavailable.
Villarreal’s only absentee is Tajon Buchanan.
Key players
Vinícius Júnior hasn’t looked anywhere near his sharpest lately. After just one goal involvement in his last five club matches, he will be keen to make an impression here. Jude Bellingham will want to bring his excellent England form back to Madrid, with Aurélien Tchouaméni holding the midfield down behind him.
Villarreal right-back Alex Freeman will need to bring his A game to the capital, while Pape Gueye will have a big job to do in midfield as well. Further forward, Alberto Moleiro could produce a moment of quality to unlock the opposition defence.
Prediction
Real Madrid’s attacking quality may just be enough to come away with a win from a goal-laden game.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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