Real Madrid take on Villarreal on Sunday evening in their penultimate domestic match of the season, and their final away trip. Los Blancos are continuing their efforts to reach 99 points, and this match will serve as another audition for those wishing to play their part in the upcoming Champions League final.
As per Marca, Carlo Ancelotti is to ring the changes from the midweek victory over Alaves. The likes of Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes are to be rested by the Italian, allowing for some of the more fringe players to start at the Ceramica.
Arda Guler gets his shot to continue his excellent form, while Andriy Lunin replaces Thibaut Courtois between the sticks. Eder Militao will continue this pursuit of 100% match sharpness with another start.
The big news for Villarreal, who need to win to keep their European qualification hopes alive, is that Gerard Moreno returns from a muscular injury. He’s expected to partner the in-form Alexander Sorloth in attack, while Raul Albiol and Alberto Moreno are to start in place of Kiko Femenia and Jorge Cuenca.
It should be a compelling encounter in Vila-Real, with both teams desperate to continue their excellent form with another three points. Can Real Madrid get to 96, or will Villarreal keep their slim European hopes alive?