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By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, 24 January 2026 - Real Madrid visit the Estadio de la Cerámica for a key La Liga showdown against Villarreal with the top of the Spanish league still up for grabs.
The match promises to play a big role in the hunt for the title, especially with just a slim gap separating the leaders in the standings.
At the moment, Barcelona lead the La Liga table, with Real Madrid close behind in second place and Villarreal not far off in third. The standings show how competitive this season has become, with only a handful of points separating the top three sides and every match feeling like a cup final.
Real Madrid have been in good form recently, winning their last four La Liga matches and carrying confidence from a huge 6-1 Champions League win over AS Monaco. Head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has spoken about that victory being a turning point for his squad, especially after some mixed results earlier in the campaign.
The return of key attacking players like Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz is a boost for Madrid too. Their presence adds depth to a forward line that already features stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior. That attacking firepower could be decisive against Villarreal, who will be defending strongly at home.
Villarreal enter the match with real belief of their own. The Yellow Submarine have enjoyed strong results this season and sit just a few points behind the league leaders. They will be aiming to upset the odds and climb the table with a result that could put them in serious contention for a top La Liga finish.
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Historically, Real Madrid have had the upper hand in this fixture. They hold a commanding head-to-head record with more wins than Villarreal across their meetings. Recent clashes have often seen Real Madrid come out on top, including a 3-1 win in October 2025 where Vinicius Junior scored twice to help secure victory.
Still, football fans know that statistics do not always predict outcomes. Villarreal have shown they can be tricky opponents, especially at home where they combine tactical discipline with quick attacking play. They will look to challenge Madrid’s defence and make the most of any chances they create.
This match is one of the most exciting tests of the season. Real Madrid’s global support and history of success make them favourites, but Villarreal’s rise this term means nothing can be taken for granted.
With three important points on offer and the title race so tight, this clash promises to deliver drama, intensity and goals. Whichever side comes out on top will send a strong message to rivals in La Liga.
