Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 12/25
Bookmaker: 888sport
Real Madrid and Villarreal enter this game on two different perspectives since these two sides have different objectives in the final three games of the season. While Los Blancos already secured a spot in the 2019/20 Champions League group stage, El Submarino Amarillo are five points ahead of the relegation zone. This match will begin at 16:15 BST.
Real Madrid
Zinedine Zidane’s men don’t have anything to play for and while they have a slim chance to finish in second place of the standings, this would depend on Atletico Madrid losing their final three matches by a considerable margin each time. But that’s quite unlikely, so all signs would indicate Los Merengues are set to finish in third place after a forgettable season. A campaign that started with Julen Lopetegui and that also had Santiago Solari on the bench, Zidane hasn’t been able to show a very high level for Madrid, either. Their recent form can’t be overlooked, as the Santiago Bernabeu side have won just once in their last four Liga matches (W1, D2, L1), while going winless in each of their last two outings (D1, L1). Their home form has been solid of late, though. Los Merengues have won each of their last four home games, scoring at least twice in each of those contests. Can they repeat that scoring form once again?
Team News
Real Madrid won’t have three players available for this encounter.
Karim Benzema is out with a muscular problem, while Sergio Ramos (calf) and Alvaro Odriozola (cheekbone) remain injured.
Villarreal
Villarreal have not been able to secure their top-flight status ahead of the 2019/20 season, but they are quite comfortable when it comes to their relegation chances. El Submarino Amarillo was among the bottom-three sides during much of the campaign and have only won nine matches this season (W9, D13, L13) but they’ve been impressive of late as they’re currently riding a four-game undefeated streak (W3, D1). They’re coming off a scoreless draw Huesca at home, but they’ve secured some very good results on the road. Through 17 away matches, Villarreal own a W5, D5, L7 mark and have won each of their last two outings away from home. Playing at Santiago Bernabeu shouldn’t be easy, however, as Villarreal have won just once at Real Madrid’s home venue starting from 1998. But that win came last season, when Villarreal registered a 1-0 win thanks to a Pablo Fornals’ goal. Can they repeat that impressive result again in order to clinch their Liga spot ahead of the next season?
Team News
El Submarino Amarillo will be considerably depleted ahead of this match. First, Miguel Juan Llambrich is out with a back problem while both Karl-Toko Ekambi and Santiago Caseres are suspended.
Bruno is unlikely to play due to a knee injury. Both Carlos Bacca and Daniele Bonera will be game-time decisions due to their respective knee injuries.
Key Factors to Consider
- Three of the last four H2H meetings at Santiago Bernabeu have produced under 2.5 goals scored.
- Real Madrid’s last three home matches, however, have had over 2.5 goals. But Villarreal’s last three have featured two goals or fewer.
- Real Madrid are riding a four-game winning streak at home. Meanwhile, Villarreal are going on a two-game winning run away from home.
- Villarreal, in fact, are riding a four-game undefeated streak in all venues (W3, D1). Real Madrid have not won in their past two outings.
- Real Madrid’s 10 losses are the highest total among the Top 4 sides in La Liga this season.
Conclusion
Real Madrid have virtually secured third place in the standings, but a win might keep their slim chances of a second-place finish alive. Knowing Villarreal need the three points to secure their top-flight status for the upcoming campaign, I believe this game will be open with goals at both ends.
Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 12/25
Bookmaker: 888sport
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