Real Madrid suffered their first defeat under Xabi Alonso last week, falling 5-2 to Atletico Madrid in the season's first edition of the Madrid derby. Argentina forward Julian Alvarez scored a brace in the match, which Real actually led at halftime.
Alonso's side responded with a 5-0 Champions League win over Kairat, powered by a Kylian Mbappe hat trick. The real test of Los Blancos' ability to rebound comes Saturday at the Bernabeu when they host Villarreal, featuring Canadian duo Tani Oluwaseyi and Tajon Buchanan.
Standings and Match Preview
Through seven matches, Villarreal sits third in the table on 16 points, only two behind Real Madrid in second and three adrift of leaders Barcelona.
Fede Valverde Situation
The major talking point heading into Saturday's match involves Fede Valverde and his apparent rift with Alonso. Despite being made available to media ahead of the Champions League game—traditionally an indication the player would start—Valverde did not start and did not play.
After the match, Valverde tweeted: "I've read several articles that have been damaging to me. I know I've had bad matches, I'm aware of that. I'm not hiding anything, and I'm open about it. I'm truly sad. You can say many things about me, but under no circumstances can you say I refuse to play. I've given everything and more for this club. I've played through fractures and injuries, and I've never complained or asked for a break."
When Valverde did not play, speculation grew that he refused Alonso's assignment at right-back. The outcry prompted Valverde's tweet. He denies there is an issue, and the manager has not communicated one. Saturday's lineup will be telling as to whether or not there is fire to this smoke.
Real Madrid Injury Crisis
Real Madrid is riddled with injuries in the back:
- Antonio Rudiger (hamstring) – out until December
- Ferland Mendy (thigh) – sidelined
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (hamstring) – out
- Dani Carvajal (muscle) – out
It's the latter two injuries that are related to the Valverde situation. With both right-backs injured, Alonso reportedly asked Valverde to fill the position.
Villarreal's Form
Marcelino's side has won five of their nine matches across all competitions to open the season, including a 1-0 victory over Athletic in their most recent league action. They are still seeking their first Champions League victory, following a 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur with a 2-2 draw against Juventus.
Canadian Duo Making Impact
Villarreal's quick start has been helped by its two Canada players. Buchanan, 26, spent the second half of last season on loan with the club from Inter. He made a permanent move in the summer and rewarded Villarreal's faith with a hat trick in a 5-0 thrashing of Girona on Aug. 24. His three goals lead the team in scoring.
Oluwaseyi, 25, signed from Minnesota United on Aug. 29. He recorded an assist in Villarreal's 2-1 win over Osasuna on Sept. 20 and notched his first goal three days later in a 2-1 victory over Valencia.
Historical Rivalry
The rivalry between the two teams has been one-sided in league play. Real Madrid are 27-17-6 all-time against Villarreal in La Liga action, outscoring the Yellow Submarine 102-54. Real has lost just twice at the Bernabeu to Villarreal.