One win separates Real Madrid from their first La Liga title since the 2016-17 season.
Villarreal stands between Real and the crown. The Yellow Submarine have ambitions of their own, entering this match with a chance to secure Europa League play next season.
When the two teams played at the Estadio de la Cerámica back in September, the home side took the lead twice, but goals from Gareth Bale rescued a draw for the visitors.
In this tactical analysis will preview the potential title-clinching game. In addition to the predicted lineups and result, this tactical preview offers an analysis of how Real Madrid will use the width of the pitch to create spaces centrally and how the side’s press resistance will lead to scoring opportunities. Finally, we’ll look at the way Villarreal will use their attacking overloads to engage in a counterpress.
Predicted lineups
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Raphaël Varane, Sergio Ramos, Ferland Mendy; Casemiro, Toni Kroos, Luka Modrić; Eden Hazard, Karim Benzema, Vinícius Júnior
For the Zinedine Zidane’s side, expect a 4-3-3. Though they lined up in a 4-4-2 in the first matchup, an additional player high up the pitch will help Madrid break the Villarreal counterpress and get to goal. Rodrygo is tipped to earn the start with Hazard, but Vinícius Júnior’s ability to win 1v1s and stretch the pitch profiles well in this match. In the midfield, Modrić offers great press resistance, making him the starter over Federico Valverde.
