Real Madrid have a suspended centre-back, an injured one, and a defender out since the summer, but at least Kylian Mbappé looks fit, and Ibrahima Konaté is recovering in time. The opponent at the Bernabéu on Saturday 10 October 2026 (kick-off 20:00 BST) is Villarreal, which has scored 13 goals in seven La Liga games and won its last two 3-1. José Mourinho’s side lost 2-1 at Atlético Madrid on 20 September with ten men after Dean Huijsen was sent off.
Real Madrid vs Villarreal
Real Madrid are fourth on 15 points, with five wins and two defeats from seven games, having scored 18 and conceded eight. The second defeat came in the Madrid derby: Dean Huijsen was sent off, Alejandro Grimaldo scored a penalty in the 53rd minute, Jonathan David added a second in the 59th, and Antonio Rüdiger pulled one back for Real in the 89th. The first defeat came earlier in the season. Barcelona lead the league with 21 points, and Real are six behind.
Villarreal are ninth on eight points, with two wins, two draws and three defeats, having scored 13 and conceded 12. They beat Málaga 3-1 on 16 September and Levante 3-1 on 20 September, and Iñigo Pérez’s side is an attacking team that gives up goals. They are also in the Champions League, so Villarreal have a trip to Real Madrid and a home tie with Napoli on Tuesday 13 October to manage.
The stakes are clear for Real. Big night. Another dropped point would put them well behind Barcelona ahead of the Champions League tie against Roma on 14 October. For Villarreal, a point at the Bernabéu would be a good result.
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The atmosphere is BETTER than last season. @MarioCortegana pic.twitter.com/zkaNu96K5V
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) October 10, 2026
Team News & Injuries
Real Madrid’s defence is stretched, as it has been over the past two years. Huijsen is suspended after his red card in the derby, and Raúl Asencio has just undergone surgery, but Konaté has completed the last training sessions normally and is expected to partner up with Rüdiger. Éder Militão is still out and will not play against Villarreal, Roma or Sevilla, according to Spanish reports, and Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy are also out, with Rodrygo not expected back before December or January. Mourinho said at his press conference that Federico Valverde is a doubt. Madrid have enough midfield options, so that shouldn’t be a problem.
Mbappé hyperextended his left knee on France duty, worked alone for several days and completed a full training session on Wednesday without discomfort, so he is expected to play, although the staff may manage his minutes. Good news. If he sits out, Carlos Espí could make his first start. The Spanish striker seems to be in good form, scoring 4 goals in his last game with the Spanish U21.
Villarreal have Santi Comesaña and Juan Foyth back in training. Tajon Buchanan is injured after playing for Canada, and Nicolas Pépé is expected to replace him.
Predicted line-ups
No confirmed XI was available at the time of writing, but these are the predictions.
Real Madrid: Mourinho will likely pair Rüdiger with Konaté and decide on Mbappé’s minutes at the last minute, with Valverde a late call.
Courtois – Trent, Konate, Rüdiger, Cucurella – Bernardo Silva, Tchouameni – Güler, Bellingham, Vinicius – Mbappé
Villarreal: Pérez’s side will attack and take risks, with Pépé likely to start on the flank.
Gulácsi – Cardona, Veiga, Navarro, Mourino – Moleiro, Comesana, Gueye, Pépé – Pérez, Akhomach
The key battle
Villarreal will attack Real Madrid’s patched-up back line. Mbappé has five goals this season, and Villarreal have scored 13. An open game suits Villarreal’s forwards more than it suits Real Madrid’s defence, even with Konaté back.
Real Madrid vs Villarreal Predictions & Tips
Real Madrid have the quality to win at home, even with injuries, and a crowd expecting a response after the derby. Villarreal will score, because their opponent cannot keep a clean sheet with this back line. Real should edge a close game. In the head-to-head, Real has won 4 of their last 5 against Villarreal. There was a crazy 4-4 draw back in May 2024 when Madrid led 4-1 at half-time, but Sorloth scored 3 goals in just 10 minutes.
The last H2H game results were: 2-0, 3-1, 2-1, 2-0 and 4-4.
Tip: Both teams to score. Predicted score: Real Madrid 2-1 Villarreal.
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