Real Madrid v Villarreal preview: LaLiga matchweek eight at the Bernabéu

Real Madrid will host Villarreal at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on October 10 in the eighth matchweek of LaLiga 2026-27.

Jose Mourinho's side arrive seeking a response after a 1-2 loss against Atletico Madrid before the international window. Real have recorded two losses and five wins in their first seven games and sit third in the table; the team has lacked intensity in the final third across their last two matches and will aim to sharpen that aspect at the Bernabéu.

Villarreal, managed by Iñigo Pérez, recovered from a poor start with consecutive wins, first against Malaga and then a 3-1 victory over Levante. The Yellow Submarine face the challenge of playing away from home and have not beaten Real Madrid in their last four meetings, but their recent form gives them momentum heading into this fixture.

Jude Bellingham has been in strong form for club and country, coming off top performances for the England national team; the 23-year-old has five goal contributions in seven LaLiga outings this season. For Villarreal, the 27-year-old Pape Gueye is expected to be influential — the club report notes his capacity to control midfield, contribute goals and break up play.

Real Madrid have several absences: Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy and Raul Asencio are out injured, Dean Huijsen is suspended, Federico Valverde trained individually and can also miss out, and Eder Militao is training with the club but is not yet confirmed in the squad. Kylian Mbappé has been training with the first team and is ready to start. Villarreal will be without Tajon Buchanan due to injury and Ilias Akhomach might miss out with fitness concerns.

Predicted lineups provided are: Real Madrid — Courtois (GK); Trent, Konaté, Rüdiger, Cucurella; Camavinga, Tchouaméni; Güler, Bellingham, Vinícius; Mbappé. Villarreal — Gulacsi (GK); Freeman, Navarro, Veiga, Cardona; Gueye, Saliba; Pepe, Moleiro, Mikautadze; Perez. Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Villarreal. Spain broadcasters listed are Movistar, DAZN and Teledeporte; in the USA the match is on ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.

The FanCode app and website can be used to view all the games live. For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram. This clash will take place at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 10.