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Madrid's Bold Frontline Aims to Ignite Against Villarreal: Will La Liga See a Storm?

23 January 2026

Madrid's Bold Frontline Aims to Ignite Against Villarreal: Will La Liga See a Storm?
Real Madrid aim to strike at Villarreal in La Liga, with a potential explosive XI.

Predicted Madrid Attack Storm Hits Villarreal

Real Madrid heads into a tough weekend visit to Villarreal at La Cerámica, as the 21st round of La Liga looms.

In this preview, AS reports the starting XI prepared by coach Álvaro Arbeloa, with a front line ready to unleash.

Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois

Defence
Federico Valverde – Raúl Asensio – Dino Hoesen – Álvaro Carreras

Midfield
Eduardo Camavinga – Jude Bellingham – Arda Güler

Attack
Vinícius Júnior – Kylian Mbappé – Franco Mastantuono

Madrid sit second in La Liga with 48 points, one behind leaders Barcelona, while Villarreal are third with 41 points and a game in hand.

And if this XI doesn’t spark a goal rush, we’ll still get plenty of drama, VAR reviews, and a scoreboard that may require a mental health break—tea may help, but goals help more.

Author

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is expected to start in goal for Real Madrid?

Thibaut Courtois.

Who are the attackers in the predicted XI?

Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Franco Mastantuono.

Where is the match played and what are the standings?

The match is at La Cerámica. Real Madrid are second with 48 points; Barcelona leads. Villarreal are third with 41 points and a game in hand.

What is the source of the lineup prediction?

The Spanish sports daily AS, with Álvaro Arbeloa as coach.