Real Madrid is hoping to close the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona as they host in-form Villareal on Saturday.
Carlo Ancelotti's men suffered their first defeat in 258 days in midweek as they crashed to a surprise Champions League loss to Lille, and despite five wins in their opening seven games, they've looked far from convincing domestically so far this term.
Villareal are just one point behind their hosts today, with Marcelino's Yellow Submarine having won five of its opening eight La Liga matches, with only table-toppers Barca currently outscoring them.
A win for Marcelino's Villarreal side today would see them leapfrog Real Madrid in the La Liga table.
At a prematch press conference in the Spanish capital on Friday afternoon, Ancelotti noted that the visitors who were the last team to top his men at the Bernabeu have been "doing very well" thus far this season, with tonight's fixture providing Los Blancos with "an opportunity for us to reconnect, to play good football again."
Madrid of course saw its 36-game unbeaten run come to a crashing end against Lille in the Champions League midweek, which ushered in what some have called exaggerated talk of a crisis.
Ancelotti didn't want to put such labels on the criticism, noting that everyone has the right to an opinion, and also publicly identified what he believes is wrong with his team.
"There are times when you have to reconnect, and you have to do it soon," he stressed.
"Sometimes a good run makes you believe you are invincible, but a defeat reconnects you with reality. We are not at our level yet, we have players who are not at their best level. [But] we are not far from where we want to be. There is a lack of defensive intensity, and offensively the circulation of the ball [is also lacking]."
In a four-man midfield, Eduardo Camavinga is the lone pivot sitting behind Luka Modric, Fede Valverde, and a Jude Bellingham who is the most advanced of the quartet looking to feed the ball to a surprise attacking duo.
That is Kylian Mbappe, returning from an injury ahead of schedule, and Vinicius Jr., as Rodrygo is dropped to complete a 4-4-2.
Back in defense, Andriy Lunin's goal is protected by Ferland Mendy, Toni Rudiger, Aurelien Tchouameni and Dani Carvajal.
Real Madrid First XI Vs. Alaves: Lunin; Mendy, Rudiger, Tchouameni, Carvajal; Camavinga, Modric, Valverde, Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe
Villarreal starting XI (TBC): Conde, Femenia, Bailly, Costa, Cardona, Parejo, Gueye, Comesaña, Baena, Pepe, Barry.
As expected, Mbappe is back in the starting lineup as Real Madrid try to regain some confidence and momentum following their two recent results against Atletico de Madrid and Lille. Playing in front of the Bernabeu should help the team, so it will be interesting to see how Los Blancos respond.
Real Madrid vs Villarreal: How To Watch and Stream
Real Madrid take on Villareal at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, Oct. 5. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. CEST local time, making it a 3 p.m. ET and 12 p.m. PT start in the US; an 8 p.m. start in the UK and a 5 a.m. AEST kickoff in Australia on Sunday.
Below, we'll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the game as it happens, wherever you are in the world.
US
ESPN's standalone streaming service costs $11 a month or $110 for an annual subscription. Read our ESPN Plus review.
UK
Premier Sports will be showing a minimum of five live matches per week from Spain's top league on its Premier Sports 1 and 2 channels, as well as its dedicated La Liga platform. This match will be shown on Premier Sports 2 as well as LaLigaTV.
A subscription to just Premier Sports' dedicated La Liga channel costs £8 a month.
You can also get the channel via a full subscription to Premier Sports, giving you access to all of the networks' channels, which have the UK broadcast rights to Scottish Premiership matches, BKT United Rugby Championship and Investec Champions Cup rugby, plus NHL and Nascar.
A full Premier Sports subscription costs £10 per month for Sky and Virgin TV customers. You can also get Premier Sports through Amazon Prime Video as an add-on for £15 a month.
Canada
TSN is the rights holder for live coverage of La Liga matches in the region, with select fixtures being shown on its linear channels, and a wider selection of games being shown on its TSN Plus streaming platform. This match is set to be shown on TSN Plus.
TSN Plus is a direct-streaming service that costs CA$8 a month and also offers coverage of PGA Tour Live golf, NFL games, F1, NASCAR and the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments.
Australia
Footy fans Down Under can once again watch La Liga fixtures live on BeIn Sports, which holds the live broadcast rights in Australia for Spanish top-flight matches. This match is set to be shown on BeIn Sports 3.
BeIn Sports is available in Australia for AU$15 a month or a yearly commitment of AU$130.
How to Watch Real Madrid vs Villarreal From Anywhere
If you find yourself unable to view La Liga matches locally, you may need a different way to watch the games -- that's where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it's also a great idea if you're traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.
With a VPN, you're able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. Most VPNs, like our Editors' Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.
Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Canada, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you're streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It's normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you'll get three months free and save 49%. That's the equivalent of $6.67 a month with code SPECIALDEAL, which should be automatically applied.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Real Madrid vs Villarreal: Match Preview
Real Madrid are still far from their best this season. In addition, they have just suffered a defeat in the UEFA Champions League, when they visited Lille in midweek, a result that has raised many doubts about the team's performance.
Despite the fact that this was the first defeat for those led by Carlo Ancelotti since January, they are still undefeated in LaLiga, their last defeat being against Atletico Madrid in September 2023, and against whom, precisely, they drew the previous week, in another disappointing result as the colchoneros equalized in the last play of the match.
Madrid are currently second in the table, just three points behind leaders Barcelona, but they need to rethink many things for their next challenges, as the fans would not tolerate another mediocre performance as they have been so far.
Villarreal is living an unbeatable present in LaLiga, ranking third in the table with five wins and two draws in eight games. The Yellow Submarine is going strong this season, looking for its best place in the standings since the 2015-16 season when it was able to get into the top four.
Marcelino's side have generally good numbers and look composed after winning three of their last four league games and are also the second-best scoring team with 17 celebrations.
However, Villarreal must improve a lot their defensive work as they have conceded 15 goals, a high number for the games they have played and that in such a close dispute as it is for the Champions League places, can make a difference.
Real Madrid vs Villarreal: Key Players to Watch
In Villarreal, the presence of Ayoze Pérez stands out. The 31-year-old Spanish striker is one of the team's most outstanding players so far in LaLiga where he has six goals in seven games played, being a starter in four of them. He has 411 minutes in total.
In Real Madrid, the presence of Kylian Mbappé stands out. The 25-year-old French striker is one of the team's most outstanding players so far in LaLiga where he has five goals and one assist in seven matches played, being a starter in all of them. He has a total of 610 minutes.
Real Madrid vs Villarreal: Head-to-Head
These two teams have met on 51 occasions. The statistics are in favor of Real Madrid, who have emerged victorious on 28 occasions, while Villarreal have won on six occasions, for a total of 17 draws.
Referring only to the times they have faced each other in LaLiga, we count 48 duels, where the numbers are in Real Madrid's favor with 25 wins, while Villarreal has managed six, for a balance of 17 draws.
If we take into account the times that Real Madrid has been at home against Villarreal in LaLiga, there are 24 matches, where the Merengues have the advantage with 16 wins over the two that the yellow submarine has achieved, and the six draws that have occurred.
Real Madrid vs Villarreal: Match Details
Date: October 5, 2024
Time: 21:00CET, 03:00am EST.
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain.
Available TV: Movistar La Liga, ABC
Available Streaming: ESPN+
Real Madrid vs Villarreal: Where to Watch Live
Hello to all VAVEL readers! Welcome to the Real Madrid vs Villarreal live stream, corresponding to matchday 7 of LaLiga 2024-25. The match will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, at 3:00 PM ET.
My name is Jhonatan Martínez and I will be your host for this match. We will bring you pre-match analysis, score updates and live news here on VAVEL.
Real Madrid vs Villarreal: Team News
This is Real Madrid's lineup to receive Villarreal:
This is Villarreal's lineup to face Real Madrid:
Real Madrid vs Villarreal: Pre-Match
The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is almost full, with many more Real Madrid fans present for this match that looks very exciting. There is also a sector of Villarreal fans who have made the trip to support the submarines.
The two teams are now taking the Bernabeu field and preparation is beginning for the start of this match that looks set to be the best in this LaLiga matchday. Real Madrid left many doubts after their defeat against Lille in the Champions League. The fans continue to fill the stadium.
The two teams are already in the stadium and are preparing in the locker room so that in a few more minutes they will jump onto the field to warm up and the starting lineups for the game will be announced.
Little by little the fans are beginning to arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, as is customary, a lot of fans inside and outside the venue for this match that promises to be very exciting with two very strong teams in the Spanish League.
We will soon share with you the starting lineups for the Real Madrid vs Villarreal live match, as well as the latest information from the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Don't miss a single detail of the live match updates and commentary from VAVEL's coverage.
If you want to watch the game Real Madrid vs Villarreal live on TV, your option is: ESPN Deportes
If you want to watch directly stream it: ESPN +, fuboTV and ESPN App
If you want to watch it on internet, VAVEL is your best option!
This is the start time of the game Real Madrid vs Villarreal of October 5th, 2024 in several countries:
Argentina: 4:00 PM on ESPN and Disney + Bolivia: 3:00 PM on ESPN and Disney + Brazil: 4:00 PM on Zapping, Claro TV +, Disney +, Sky +, Vivo Play and ESPN Chile: 4:00 PM on ESPN and Disney + Colombia: 2:00 PM on ESPN and Disney + Ecuador: 2:00 PM on ESPN and Disney + USA (ET): 3:00 PM on ESPN +, fuboTV, ESPN App and ESPN Deportes Spain: 4:00 PM on Movistar +, M+ LALIGA TV, LaLiga TV Bar HD, Movistar Plus + Mexico: 1:00 PM on Sky Sports and Sky + Paraguay: 3:00 PM on ESPN and Disney + Peru: 2:00 PM on ESPN and Disney + Uruguay: 4:00 PM on ESPN and Disney + Venezuela: 3:00 PM on ESPN and Disney +
Real Madrid vs Villarreal: The Match
Little by little the two teams finish warming up and return to their locker rooms for the final talk with their coaches before the start of the first 45 minutes, a great atmosphere in the Bernabeu prior to the start.
The match between Real Madrid and Villarreal begins.
Real Madrid starts this match with greater pressure and Villarreal waits to see the merengue proposal.
Villarreal waits and seeks to find a space to start generating danger.
Mbappe has a clear goal play but sends the ball over the crossbar, Real Madrid continues to insist.
Real Madrid continues to have possession but Villarreal looks solid at the back and there hasn't been much damage.
Goal from Valerde, shot from outside the area that moves away from the goalkeeper and enters the corner to open the scoring for the meringues.
Villarreal suffers in the defensive zone for not being able to stop Real Madrid's pressure.
Villarreal begins to gain confidence and goes forward looking to tie the game quickly.
Real Madrid with counterattacks is looking very dangerous with the speed of Vinicius and Mbappe.
Villarreal takes possession, but fails to open Real Madrid's defensive lock.
The scoreboard does not move and the minimal advantage continues for the Merengues.
Many fouls are committed in the game that do not allow the game to run in the best way.
The intensity of the match grows and the teams are going all out for the ball, a round-trip match with arrivals in both areas.
Last minutes of the first half, Real Madrid is 5 minutes plus compensation away from taking the lead at halftime.
The pace of the match slows down and Villarreal continues to push for a tie before halftime.
Will be added one minute
The first half ends Real Madrid 1-0 Villarreal.
Real Madrid vs Villarreal: What's Next?
Ahead of the crucial game against a dangerous team in good form, manager Carlo Ancelotti has announced the Real Madrid starting lineup that will take the field at the Bernabeu in under a couple of hours.
As expected, Eder Militao has been rested by Ancelotti, with Aurelien Tchouameni starting in central defence alongside Antonio Rudiger. Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy line up as the full-backs with Andriy Lunin in goal.
Tchouameni’s move into defence means Eduardo Camavinga gets the nod as the deepest of the four midfielders for Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde and captain Luka Modric line up as the two interior midfielders with Jude Bellingham lining up as the No. 10.
Kylian Mbappe, despite there being some question marks over his fitness, starts in attack alongside Vinicius Jr., with Rodrygo Goes on the bench.
Despite widespread reports of him likely to start tonight, Arda Guler finds himself on the bench.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro XI inicial!🆚 @VillarrealCF@UnicajaBanco | #RealMadridVillarreal pic.twitter.com/iZYI0tCvSD
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) October 5, 2024
The first half ends Real Madrid 1-0 Villarreal.
Will be added one minute
The pace of the match slows down and Villarreal continues to push for a tie before halftime.
Last minutes of the first half, Real Madrid is 5 minutes plus compensation away from taking the lead at halftime.
The intensity of the match grows and the teams are going all out for the ball, a round-trip match with arrivals in both areas.
Many fouls are committed in the game that do not allow the game to run in the best way.
The scoreboard does not move and the minimal advantage continues for the Merengues.
Villarreal takes possession, but fails to open Real Madrid's defensive lock.
Real Madrid with counterattacks is looking very dangerous with the speed of Vinicius and Mbappe.
Villarreal begins to gain confidence and goes forward looking to tie the game quickly.
Villarreal suffers in the defensive zone for not being able to stop Real Madrid's pressure.
Goal from Valerde, shot from outside the area that moves away from the goalkeeper and enters the corner to open the scoring for the meringues.
Real Madrid continues to have possession but Villarreal looks solid at the back and there hasn't been much damage.
Mbappe has a clear goal play but sends the ball over the crossbar, Real Madrid continues to insist.
Villarreal waits and seeks to find a space to start generating danger.
Real Madrid starts this match with greater pressure and Villarreal waits to see the merengue proposal.
The match between Real Madrid and Villarreal begins.
Everything is ready for the start of the match, the teams are already in the tunnel waiting for the signal to take the field at the opening whistle, people continue to arrive at the stadium that is almost full.
Little by little the two teams finish warming up and return to their locker rooms for the final talk with their coaches before the start of the first 45 minutes, a great atmosphere in the Bernabeu prior to the start.
The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is almost full, with many more Real Madrid fans present for this match that looks very exciting. There is also a sector of Villarreal fans who have made the trip to support the submarines.
This is Villarreal's lineup to face Real Madrid:
The two teams are now taking the Bernabeu field and preparation is beginning for the start of this match that looks set to be the best in this LaLiga matchday. Real Madrid left many doubts after their defeat against Lille in the Champions League. The fans continue to fill the stadium.
This is Real Madrid's lineup to receive Villarreal:
The two teams are already in the stadium and are preparing in the locker room so that in a few more minutes they will jump onto the field to warm up and the starting lineups for the game will be announced.
Little by little the fans are beginning to arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, as is customary, a lot of fans inside and outside the venue for this match that promises to be very exciting with two very strong teams in the Spanish League.
We will soon share with you the starting lineups for the Real Madrid vs Villarreal live match, as well as the latest information from the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Don't miss a single detail of the live match updates and commentary from VAVEL's coverage.
If you want to watch the game Real Madrid vs Villarreal live on TV, your option is: ESPN Deportes
If you want to watch directly stream it: ESPN +, fuboTV and ESPN App
If you want to watch it on internet, VAVEL is your best option!
This is the start time of the game Real Madrid vs Villarreal of October 5th, 2024 in several countries:
Argentina: 4:00 PM on ESPN and Disney + Bolivia: 3:00 PM on ESPN and Disney + Brazil: 4:00 PM on Zapping, Claro TV +, Disney +, Sky +, Vivo Play and ESPN Chile: 4:00 PM on ESPN and Disney + Colombia: 2:00 PM on ESPN and Disney + Ecuador: 2:00 PM on ESPN and Disney + USA (ET): 3:00 PM on ESPN +, fuboTV, ESPN App and ESPN Deportes Spain: 4:00 PM on Movistar +, M+ LALIGA TV, LaLiga TV Bar HD, Movistar Plus + Mexico: 1:00 PM on Sky Sports and Sky + Paraguay: 3:00 PM on ESPN and Disney + Peru: 2:00 PM on ESPN and Disney + Uruguay: 4:00 PM on ESPN and Disney + Venezuela: 3:00 PM on ESPN and Disney +
The Real Madrid vs Villarreal match will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, located in Paseo de la Castellana, in the Chamartin district of Madrid, Spain. This stadium, inaugurated in 1947, has a capacity for 80,000 spectators.
