Villarreal Hosts Real Madrid; Barcelona Matches on TSN
This weekend’s La Liga action on El-Balad features a highly anticipated match between Villarreal and Real Madrid. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT and will be broadcast on TSN+. With both teams vying for crucial points, the stakes are incredibly high.
Match Preview: Villarreal Hosts Real Madrid
Real Madrid recently appointed Alvaro Arbeloa as their manager following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. Arbeloa’s tenure began tumultuously, as Real suffered a surprising defeat in the Copa del Rey to Albacete. However, recent victories, including a 2-0 win against Levante and a commanding 6-1 win over Monaco in the Champions League, have restored some confidence within the squad. Arbeloa indicated that the Monaco victory could serve as a turning point for the team.
Current Standings and Rivalry History
Real Madrid currently sits in second place in La Liga, accumulating 48 points. They remain one point behind leaders Barcelona. Villarreal is third on 41 points but has a game in hand. The historical rivalry favors Real Madrid, having won 31 of 54 encounters, while Villarreal has secured victory only six times. Notably, Villarreal’s last win against Real came in April 2023, when they triumphed 3-2 at the Bernabeu.
Recent Form: Both Teams Coming Into the Match
- Villarreal is coming off two losses: a 2-0 defeat to Real Betis in La Liga and a 2-1 loss to Ajax in the Champions League.
- Canada’s Tani Oluwaseyi scored for Villarreal in the Ajax match, providing a silver lining amid their struggles.
- Real’s recent form includes back-to-back wins, providing them with momentum heading into this fixture.
Injury Updates and Team News
Real Madrid enters the match without additional injuries from the recent Monaco game. Rodrygo is set to return, while Eder Militao and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain sidelined. Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy are questionable, and Aurelien Tchouameni will miss the match due to yellow card accumulation.
For Villarreal, concerns center around winger Alfonso Pedraza, who is doubtful due to a broken nose. Midfielder Pape Gueye has returned after a successful African Cup of Nations campaign and could play a role in the match.
Barcelona vs. Oviedo: A Must-Watch Match
On Sunday, Barcelona will clash with Oviedo at 9:45 a.m. ET/6:45 a.m. PT. Barcelona currently leads La Liga and aims to maintain their dominance against the bottom-placed Oviedo.
Barcelona’s Recent Performance
- Barcelona managed a 4-2 win against Slavia Prague, showing resilience by coming back from multiple deficits.
- Fermin Lopez scored twice, underlining Barcelona’s offensive potency.
Challenges for Oviedo
Oviedo is struggling in the league, having won only twice in 20 matches. They are currently seven points adrift of safety. Despite the difficulties, goalkeeper Aaron Escandell remains optimistic about facing a top team like Barcelona.
Injury Concerns
Barcelona will miss Pedri for up to six weeks due to a hamstring injury. Other long-term absentees include Gavi and Andreas Christensen. Oviedo will continue without midfielder Ovie Ejaria, who has been sidelined since December.
As La Liga action unfolds, both matches could significantly influence the standings. Fans can watch the action live on TSN, showcasing some of the top talent in football today.
