Real Madrid vs Villarreal CF Lineups – Confirmed Starting XI and Squad News

Real Madrid travel to the Estadio de la Cerámica to face Villarreal in La Liga on 24 January 2026, with Carlo Ancelotti naming a starting XI that blends youth and experience. The confirmed lineup includes Jude Bellingham in an advanced role and Mastantuono making a surprise start, while Villarreal’s starting eleven remains unconfirmed at the time of writing.

The match carries significance for both sides: Madrid aim to keep pace at the top of the table, while Villarreal seek to recover from a mixed run of form. Ancelotti has been forced into changes due to injuries and suspension, leaving his defence reshuffled and his midfield reshaped.

Below is the full breakdown of the confirmed Real Madrid lineup, the predicted Villarreal side, squad news, and everything else fans need ahead of kickoff.

Real Madrid vs Villarreal: Confirmed Starting Lineups and Squad News

• Real Madrid’s confirmed XI features Courtois in goal and a back four of Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen and Á. Carreras.
• Camavinga, Arda Güler and Mastantuono form the midfield, with Bellingham playing behind Vini Jr. and Mbappé.
• Ancelotti is without Tchouaméni (suspended), Militão, Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger and Mendy (all injured).
• Rodrygo has returned from injury but starts on the bench; Brahim Díaz is available after nearly two months out.
• Villarreal’s lineup is not yet official, but a 4-4-2 formation with Parejo and Gueye in midfield is considered likely.
• The head-to-head record in La Liga strongly favours Real Madrid, though Villarreal have sprung upsets in recent seasons.

Real Madrid vs Villarreal: Head-to-Head Timeline and Recent Results

The most recent encounter between the sides took place on 4 October 2025, when Real Madrid secured a 3-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu. Vinícius Júnior scored twice and Kylian Mbappé added a third, as confirmed by match reports from ESPN.

What was the score in the last Real Madrid vs Villarreal match?

That 3-1 win in October 2025 remains the most recent meeting. Earlier in the same season, Madrid had also won 3-2 in September 2025, but the 4 October result is the more recent.

What is the Real Madrid vs Villarreal head-to-head timeline?

Based on available records, the last five encounters in all competitions are as follows:

How did Real Madrid’s previous match against Villarreal unfold?

In the 3-1 win on 4 October 2025, Real Madrid dominated possession and created numerous chances. Vinícius Júnior opened the scoring before halftime, added a second shortly after the break, and Mbappé sealed the win with a late strike. Villarreal pulled one back through a set-piece but never seriously threatened an equaliser.

Real Madrid vs Villarreal: Match Stats and Key Numbers

Key match statistics

Detailed match stats for the current fixture are not yet available. However, based on the October 2025 meeting, Real Madrid registered over 60% possession and outshot Villarreal 14 to 6. Villarreal’s aerial threat from corners remains a concern for Madrid’s rotated defence.

Who are the key players to watch?

For Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham’s movement in the hole behind the strikers will be crucial. Mastantuono, making his first La Liga start in an advanced midfield role, is a player to monitor. Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé provide the primary goal threat. Villarreal will rely on Dani Parejo’s passing range and Pape Gueye’s energy in midfield, while wide players Buchanan and Alberto look to exploit spaces behind Madrid’s full-backs.

When and Where to Watch Real Madrid vs Villarreal Today

The match kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 BST / 15:00 ET) on 24 January 2026. It will be broadcast live on Movistar LaLiga in Spain, ESPN in the United States, and DAZN in the United Kingdom. Viewers can also stream the match via the official La Liga app or through each broadcaster’s online platform.

Are there any injury concerns or suspensions for Real Madrid or Villarreal?

Real Madrid are without Aurélien Tchouaméni due to suspension, while Éder Militão, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy are all sidelined with injuries. Raúl Asencio avoided a possible injury issue and is available. Rodrygo has returned from a layoff and is on the bench, while Brahim Díaz is available after nearly two months out. Injury and suspension details were confirmed in reports from SI.com. Villarreal’s injury list has not been officially published at the time of writing, but no major absentees were reported in pre-match previews.

What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about the lineups?

What is the broader context of this matchup?

Real Madrid’s defensive rotation is a key storyline. With Carvajal, Militão, Rüdiger and Mendy all absent, Ancelotti has turned to a mix of youngsters and converted full-backs. The midfield battle between Camavinga/Güler and Villarreal’s Parejo-Gueye axis could determine control of the game. Set pieces also feature prominently: Villarreal possess strong aerial threats, and Madrid’s patched-up backline will be tested from corners and free kicks.

The result will have implications for the title race and for Villarreal’s push for European places. A win for Madrid would keep pressure on the league leaders, while a Villarreal victory would be a major boost for their season.

Where can I find official lineup announcements and quotes?

The most authoritative sources for confirmed lineups are the official club websites. Real Madrid published their starting XI and squad list ahead of the match. For Villarreal, the official Villarreal CF site is the primary source. Pre-match press conferences from Carlo Ancelotti and Marcelino are typically covered by major sports outlets such as ESPN.

“We have to rotate but the squad is ready.” – Carlo Ancelotti (from a press conference, as reported by SI.com)

Source: SI.com, 24 January 2026

What does this lineup mean for the match and what’s next?

The confirmed Real Madrid lineup indicates a focus on ball retention and quick transitions. The inclusion of Mastantuono suggests Ancelotti is willing to trust youth in a competitive away fixture. For Villarreal, their yet-to-be-confirmed XI will likely be built around solidity and counter-attacking threat. After this match, Real Madrid face Atlético Madrid on 31 January 2026, while Villarreal travel to Sevilla on the same date. These lineups and results could influence team selection and momentum heading into those crucial games.

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