Real Madrid vs Villarreal: LaLiga predictions, best bets and odds

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José Mourinho's side take to the pitch looking to regain their winning momentum after suffering two defeats in their first seven matches of the season (5W 2L).

The Bernabéu has become a fortress for Real Madrid, who have won six consecutive home matches in the domestic league, scoring exactly four goals in each of their last four.

With Kylian Mbappé in fine form against Villarreal — five goals in four league meetings with the Castellón-based club— and Mourinho unbeaten against this opponent in the top flight (3W 1D), the Madrid side are chasing three crucial points before the break.

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Villarreal, meanwhile, arrive in the capital having put together two consecutive LaLiga victories (3-1 against Málaga and 3-1 against Levante), putting a hesitant start without a win in their first five matches behind them. The side captained by Íñigo Pérez stand out for their attacking output, boasting the third-highest expected-goals tally in the league (16.5 xG), with Alberto Moleiro in outstanding form after becoming the youngest Spanish player in the club's history to be involved in three goals in a single match since Álex Baena. However, the Bernabéu has historically been an uncomfortable venue for Villarreal, who have suffered 18 defeats in 26 league visits to the stadium.

Real Madrid vs Villarreal predictions

Over 9.5 corners - 1/2 @ bet365

Gulácsi to make four or more saves - 4/6 @ bet365

Real Madrid to win and between two and four goals - 8/11 @ bet365

Odds correct at the time of writing, subject to change.

High-tempo battle

For the first prediction, both sides' attack-minded approach points to sustained pressure on the opposition penalty areas. Villarreal sit second in the league for corners taken, with 51 to their name, while Real Madrid are close behind in third with 48 corners taken.

With attack-minded full-backs and dangerous wingers combining with a direct style aimed at reaching the byline, crosses blocked by the defences tend to pile up. With two of the league's four most potent attacks facing each other and creating chances on a regular basis, the prospect of comfortably surpassing 9.5 corners in total represents excellent value at 1.50.

Tip: Over 9.5 corners - 1/2 @ bet365

Bet explanation: The bet wins if at least 10 corners are taken by the two teams combined during the match.

Work guaranteed for the goalkeeper

For the second selection, the pressure the visiting goalkeeper is likely to face is backed by compelling statistics. Péter Gulácsi has produced impressive performances in his recent appearances for Villarreal, including a 10-save display against Real Betis and crucial interventions in demanding matches such as against Borussia Dortmund (four saves).

Real Madrid have the second-highest expected-goals figure in the competition (18.5 xG) and subject their opponents at the Bernabéu to a constant barrage, with specialists from distance and predatory finishers such as Kylian Mbappé. Given the relentless volume of shots produced by the home attack, requiring Gulácsi to make at least four saves over the 90 minutes fits the likely pattern of the match perfectly.

Tip: Gulácsi to make four or more saves - 4/6 @ bet365

Bet explanation: The bet wins if goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi makes four or more saves during the match.

Real Madrid solidity in a low-scoring result

For the third recommendation, we analyse Real Madrid's strength against Villarreal and the teams' scoring trends. Los Blancos have won their last four LaLiga meetings with Villarreal (including 2-0 and 3-1 victories in the two most recent encounters), extending their unbeaten run against Villarreal to six matches.

Despite the home side's strength, Íñigo Pérez's competitive approach makes a runaway victory difficult to predict. A total of two to four goals fits the usual pattern in the most recent meetings between the two sides, covering highly plausible results at Chamartín such as 2-0, 2-1, 3-0 or 3-1 in favour of José Mourinho's team.

Tip: Real Madrid to win and between two and four goals - 8/11 @ bet365

Bet explanation: The bet wins if Real Madrid win and the match ends with exactly 2, 3 or 4 goals scored in total.

Real Madrid vs Villarreal odds

Real Madrid - 3/10 @ bet365

Draw - 21/4 @ bet3665

Villarreal - 7/1 @ bet365

Odds correct at the time of writing, subject to change.