Reigning Spanish and European champions Real Madrid have endured a sluggish start to the season, culminating in their first defeat since January. Carlo Ancelotti’s side succumbed to a setback at Lille in the Champions League and trail Barcelona by three points in La Liga.
Madrid host Villarreal on Saturday, aiming to level points with their Catalan rivals at the summit of the table for the first time this season. Los Blancos commenced the campaign with a draw at Mallorca and have been playing catch-up ever since.
Barcelona’s seven-match winning streak was halted at Osasuna last weekend. Madrid failed to capitalize fully, drawing 1-1 with Atletico Madrid. However, they can apply pressure on Barca, who visit Alaves on Sunday, with a victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
To achieve that against a formidable Villarreal side, just a point behind Madrid in third, they will need to elevate their performance significantly. Madrid’s loss in France marked their first defeat in 37 matches across all competitions.
“When we lost the derby (against Atletico) last year, it was a fantastic wake-up call, and hopefully, this defeat can also be a fantastic wake-up call,” said Ancelotti. “We did everything wrong — with the ball, transitions, the intensity, we lost the duels… we have to look at things with a cool head and not throw everything away, but we have to improve.”
Madrid welcomed Kylian Mbappe against Lille after a thigh injury, and the French striker could start against Villarreal. Despite Villarreal’s strength, led by Spain international Ayoze Perez, they have conceded in every match this season.
Madrid continue to struggle without midfield maestro Toni Kroos, who retired after helping the team to a La Liga and Champions League double. Los Blancos will also field Ukrainian goalkeeper Andre Lunin between the sticks with Thibaut Courtois out injured.
“We have to analyze and improve in the next game because there is no time — there are many games, and we have to win,” said Lunin after the Lille defeat.
Villarreal may be without Perez, who missed Monday’s win over Las Palmas with muscular discomfort, and Gerard Moreno is also sidelined. However, striker Thierno Barry is finding form for Marcelino Garcia Toral’s side. The French striker scored and got an assist as Villarreal moved up to third with the 3-1 win.
Girona and Atletico Madrid also suffered Champions League defeats on Wednesday and both are in action on Sunday, against tricky Basque sides Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad respectively.
