Real Madrid face another tricky test in La Liga on Saturday (5.30pm GMT) as they bid to win a first top-flight away game since January 25.
The reigning champions have lost at Espanyol and Real Betis and drawn at Osasuna in their subsequent matches on the road.
Fifth-placed Villarreal will be looking to reignite their hopes of finishing in a Champions League qualification spot after losing 1-0 at Alaves last Saturday.
101GreatGoals.com has you covered for the line-ups, team news and confirmed starting sides from Villarreal v Real Madrid.
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— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) March 15, 2025
Villarreal lineup v Real Madrid
Villarreal have reported no new injury concerns but winger Ilias Akhomach and striker Gerard Moreno remain sidelined.
“The game is going to be very difficult but we are really looking forward to it,” said manager Marcelino Garcia Toral. “We’re playing Real Madrid with the desire to win. How? We have to find our very best level.”
Villarreal starting XI: TBA
Subs: TBA
🌱 The Estadio de la Cerámica is all set! 🌱 pic.twitter.com/fh8jFvrkOk
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 15, 2025
Madrid lineup v Villarreal
Ancelotti confirmed Vinicius Jr had been given an extra day of rest after his subdued performance as Real Madrid edged past Atleti in the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday, including blazing a second-half penalty high and wide.
The Brazil international has received some criticism for his display at the Metropolitano but his coach was quick to back one of his star men, who has been rested for this fixture.
Ancelotti said: “He may play better or worse games, but he is indisputable. If sometimes he doesn’t play well, or fails… I don’t argue with it. He has been so important for this club that I can’t argue about it.”
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— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 15, 2025
Madrid will have the same squad available for the trip to Villarreal with the exception of defender Ferland Mendy, who could miss four weeks with a hamstring problem.
Fran Garcia is deputises, while 39-year-old Luka Modric rested, so Fede Valverde steps back into midfield with Lucas Vazquez at right-back.
Real Madrid starting XI: Courtois, Lucas, Asencio, Tchouameni, Fran Garcia, Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham, Brahim, Mbappe, Rodrygo.
Subs: Lunin, Fran Gonzalez, Alaba, Vinicius Jr, Modric, Arda Guler, Endrick, Rudiger, Diego Aguado, Valdepenas