Real Madrid visit Villarreal at 1:30 am in the focus of the 28th round of La Liga. If the game wins, Real Madrid will briefly ascend to the top of La Liga, experience the taste of a day’s leadership. However, a disturbing curse hangs over Real Madrid: they have not beaten the Yellow Submarine away from home in La Liga in the past eight years.
According to historical data, Real Madrid has scored 100 goals and conceded 53 goals in 49 matches with Villarreal in La Liga, with 26 wins, 17 draws and 6 losses. Real Madrid beat Villarreal 2-0 at home in the ninth round of La Liga this season. Despite their impressive history, Real Madrid have been frustrated at Villarreal. They have not won away from home in La Liga since February 2017. At that time, Real Madrid’s front trident consisted of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale, the midfield was the golden partnership of Kroos, Casemiro and Modric, and the central defence was Ramos and Pepe. Now, except Carvajal, Modric and Vazquez, most of that team have left Real, and a new generation of superstars such as Mbappé, Bellingham and Rodrigo will try to break the spell.
In La Liga, Barca have 57 points from 26 games, Real Madrid 57 points from 27 games, followed by Atletico on 56 points from 27 games. If Real Madrid wins Villarreal, it will temporarily top the table with 60 points from 28 games. However, their lead is likely to last only until 4 am, when Atletico’s clash with Barcelona kicks off. If Barcelona fail to win, Real Madrid will be expected to continue to lead.
It is worth noting that Real Madrid will be rotating for this game, because they fought Atletico for 120 minutes in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals in midweek, eventually winning 4-2 on penalties. Vinicius has suffered a slight muscle strain, while Valverde and Rudiger have also been playing with injuries, according to As. Although all three regulars were named in the squad, Ancelotti will not start with them.
