Liga Preview: Villarreal v Real Madrid
Real Madrid can take nothing for granted as they pay a visit to El Madrigal to face off against Villarreal.
Real Madrid can take nothing for granted as they pay a visit to El Madrigal to face off against Villarreal.
The hosts, though, after a superb start to the year, are somewhat out of form and have lost three of their last four games. They clearly have problems scoring goals, hence the signing of Mexican striker Antonio De Nigris. He made an instant impact with a late winner against Rayo Vallecano a couple of weeks ago.
Victor and Martin Palermo are not finding the net as frequently as they once did, with neither having scored since January 5.
The Yellow Submarine currently sit in mid-table, however, and should avoid relegation quite comfortably.
Real Madrid were absolutely sensational in their 3-1 beating of Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday. To produce that type of champagne football in such a pressured atmosphere was a true mark of champions. Zinedine Zidane's touch that led to Raul's second (which came slightly against the run of play) needed to be seen to be believed, while some of the overall team passing was a joy to watch. At times they simply carved apart the Milan defence. The only sour note would have been allowing former Barcelona ace Rivaldo to head home to briefly make it 2-1.
Last weekend Los Merengues continued their title charge with a 4-1 thrashing of Racing Santander. However, the scoreline didn't tell the whole story, and after finding themselves 2-1 down, Santander had a couple of chances to equalise and generally gave a decent account of themselves. Real, though, often play in bursts and although they didn't dominate, they caught the visitors cold on two occasions, with second-half goals from Javier Portillo and Guti.
FORM GUIDE
Villarreal: Last Six matches: WWLLWLL
The last six results have proved a mixed bag indeed. The joy at wins over Osasuna, Valladolid and Rayo Vallecano, has been tempered by defeats at the hands of Alaves, Santander and Deportivo.
Real Madrid: Last Six Matches: WWDWWW
The only recent blemish was a 1-1 draw at Dortmund in the Champions League, but that was most certainly a point gained. Since then, thrashings of Alaves and Racing have strengthened the Merengues' title tilt, while the 3-1 defeat of Milan has pushed Vicente Del Bosque's side closer to the last eight in Europe.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Villarreal: Belletti and Arruabarrena are both out suspended after picking up their fifth bookings of the season last week. Galván and Josico come in.
Real Madrid: The injured Makelele is out and will be replaced by Cambiasso, while Hierro has trained but is not fit enough to make a first-team return.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Villarreal: Reina, Josico, Alvarez, Ballesteros, Galván, Farinós, Medina, Guayre, Jorge López, Víctor, Palermo.
Real Madrid: Casillas, Michel Salgado, Helguera, Pavón, Roberto Carlos, Flavio, Cambiasso, Figo, Raúl, Zidane, Ronaldo.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Victor (Villarreal): The pint-sized forward is a threat to any team on his day, and is likely to cause the Real defence some problems.
Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid): The Frenchman had a fine game against Milan on Wednesday and will be looking to continue his good form.