Villarreal vs Real Madrid prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2024-05-18 17:00.
[p]During a season in which Villarreal have scored for fun but conceded just as regularly, netting and conceding 60 La Liga goals, European football next term is still within reach, but they may need to win both of their remaining league fixtures. A strong finish isnât out of the question either, having won four of their last five (L1) as they bid to secure a fifth consecutive top-eight finish.[/p]
[p]As they gear up to take on champions Real Madrid, the Yellow Submarine have an unenviable record against sides at the top this term, as theyâve lost all six home fixtures against sides starting the round above them, all of them while conceding at least twice! More encouragingly, theyâve only lost one of their last nine home league fixtures (W5, D3).[/p]
[p]Madrid might have already wrapped up the title but there was no let up as they thrashed AlavĂ©s 5-0 prior to lifting the trophy on Tuesday as they sealed a third successive win âto nilâ while scoring at least three times. With manager Carlo Ancelotti rotating his squad to keep players fresh as they push for inclusion in next monthâs Champions League final, thereâs no shortage of motivation for Los Blancos.[/p]
[p]If they need another incentive to perform then the prize of a rare league win at La CerĂĄmica should do the trick as the visitors havenât won any of their last six La Liga visits here (D5, L1). On a more positive note, theyâve only lost one of their last nine final league away games of the season (W5, D3), a sequence that includes a 2-2 draw here back in 2017/18.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: All three of Gonçalo Guedesâ goals for Villarreal this term came after the break, as did his strike for Valencia against Madrid in the 2021/22 campaign. Brahim DĂaz netted twice after half-time in Madridâs last away game (W 4-0 v Granada), meaning his last five competitive goals were in the second half.[/p]
[p]Hot streak: Both Villarreal (W6, D1) and Madrid (W16, D1) are unbeaten in La Liga games they led at half-time this term.[/p]