Reigning Spanish and European champions Real Madrid have began the season under their good greatest and this week lastly tumbled to a primary defeat since January. Carlo Ancelotti’s facet had been overwhelmed at Lille within the Champions League on Wednesday and path Hansi Flick’s Barcelona by three factors in La Liga. Madrid host Villarreal on Saturday aiming to drag degree on factors with their Catalan rivals on the high of the desk for the primary time this season.
Los Blancos started the marketing campaign with a draw at Mallorca on the primary day of the season and have been taking part in catch-up since then.
Barca received their first seven matches in a row however lastly stumbled final weekend at Osasuna.
Madrid couldn’t take full benefit as they had been held to a 1-1 draw by neighbours Atletico Madrid, however can put strain on Barca, who go to Alaves on Sunday, with a victory on the Santiago Bernabeu.
To obtain that in opposition to an enterprising Villarreal facet only a level behind Madrid in third, they should elevate their sport considerably.
Madrid got here undone within the north of France, struggling their first loss in 37 matches throughout all competitions.
“When we misplaced the derby (in opposition to Atletico) final yr it was a unbelievable wake-up name and hopefully this defeat will also be a unbelievable wake-up name,” stated Ancelotti.
“We did every part improper — with the ball, transitions, the depth, we misplaced the duels… we have now to have a look at issues with a cool head and never throw every part away, however we have now to enhance.”
Madrid had been in a position to deliver on Kylian Mbappe in opposition to Lille after a thigh harm and the French striker might begin in opposition to Villarreal.
As sturdy because the Yellow Submarine have been, spearheaded by Spain worldwide Ayoze Perez, they’ve conceded in each match up to now this season.
Madrid nonetheless appear to be struggling with out midfield maestro Toni Kroos, who retired after serving to the workforce to a La Liga and Champions League double.
Los Blancos may also line up with Ukrainian goalkeeper Andre Lunin between the sticks with Thibaut Courtois out injured.
“We should analyse and enhance within the subsequent sport as a result of there isn’t a time — there are lots of video games and we have now to win,” stated Lunin after the Lille defeat.
Villarreal could also be with out Perez, who missed Monday’s win over Las Palmas with muscular discomfort and Gerard Moreno can be sidelined, however striker Thierno Barry is discovering kind for Marcelino Garcia Toral’s facet.
The French striker scored and received an help as Villarreal moved as much as third with the 3-1 win.
Girona and Atletico Madrid additionally suffered Champions League defeats on Wednesday and each are in motion on Sunday, in opposition to tough Basque sides Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad respectively.
Player to observe: Jesus Navas
The Spanish veteran extensive man will play within the Seville derby for what is because of be the ultimate time of his profession, and turn out to be the participant with essentially the most appearances within the conflict’s historical past — he has performed in it 27 occasions, degree with Real Betis legend Joaquin Sanchez. Sevilla’s Navas, who turns 39 in November, is taking part in via a long-term hip downside, and is because of retire in December.
Key stats
4 – Barcelona have given away 4 penalties of their final 15 league matches
27 – Las Palmas have used essentially the most gamers this season in La Liga
29 – Getafe’s hulking striker Christantus Uche has received extra fouls than some other participant
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