On Saturday, 5 October, Real will play at home against Villarreal. Madrid suffered defeat in all tournaments for the first time in a long time - lost to Lille in the European Cup. The new opponent does not promise an easy game: Villarreal are clearly aiming to qualify for the Champions League next year.

The state of Real Madrid is somewhat worrying. Firstly, there is no understanding of Kylian Mbappe's status. The Frenchman has not been so bright in important matches so far. Injuries are also constantly bothering the star. Secondly, Real have two matches without a win. This is a very rare series for Carlo Ancelotti's Madrid. In France against Lille, the defeat can be considered unfair - the Xg favourites outclassed their opponents and could have easily scored two goals.

At the same time, sceptics continue to argue that there is no particular benefit from Kylian Mbappe. In the format of last year's scheme, the club could allegedly be more successful. There are also certain problems due to injuries. For example, Thibaut Courtois' participation in the upcoming game is in doubt.

Villarreal continues to gain points steadily. The team has had only one failure for the whole season - a breakdown in the confrontation with Barcelona. The defeat with a score of 1:5 should not be misleading. Villarreal looks to be one of the strongest teams in Spain at this stage of the season. "Submarine" is just a point behind Real Madrid in the standings.

Marcelino's wards just after the defeat to Barcelona managed to win away against Espanyol (2:1) and scored three goals to Las Palmas (3:1). An interesting detail of Villarreal is that the team exchanges goals in every match.

In the last match, Nicolas Pepe scored a long-awaited goal. The Ivorian can further diversify Villarreal's already quality attack.

Marcelino's attack is the second strongest in the league. In Spain, only Barcelona create more chances. But the defence is among the five worst in the league. At the same time, Villarreal conceded two goals more than expected.

Recent matches between the clubs have been very entertaining. In May, the teams managed to score eight goals, but there Real already had no motivation. In five consecutive meetings, the opponents exchanged goals. In this regard, and now the total more than 3.5 is priced at just 1.80.

The odds on Villarreal's victory are overvalued. On the success of the guests in Madrid give almost 10.00. "Submarine" is in great shape and can surprise. And Real have fatigue after a busy week: the team suffered seven days away to Atletico, lost in France and now must go out against a fresh opponent. Just an easy win for the favourite is unlikely.