Real Madrid – Villarreal

Real Madrid head into the clash at the Bernabéu as clear favourites, perched second in the table with 12 points from five games – four wins and a solitary loss, and an impressive 14‑4 goal difference. Their opponents, Villarreal, sit 18th with just two points after two draws and two defeats, having scored six while conceding eight. The gulf in form is stark, and the home side will be looking to extend their unbeaten run and tighten the race for the title, while the visitors will need a miracle to climb out of the relegation zone. Head‑to‑head, Madrid have traditionally dominated the fixture, and the numbers suggest another comfortable night for the hosts.