During the week, Real Madrid “swept” Barcelona in Copa del Rey and intend to transfer the good mood to La Liga and their next match against Villarreal.The current champion of Spain has to deal with the Yellow Submarine in the 28th round of the championship. Three days ago, Los Blancos sank Barcelona in El Clasico in Copa del Rey with four ‘deadly shots’. However, nothing easy awaits them against the currently sixth team in the table. After all, Villarreal have not lost five times in a row in the league and from the mentioned five meetings, they have an excellent record of four wins and one draw.Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final second leg between Real Madrid and Barcelona was described by many as the final before the final. The Catalans entered it as favorites and not only had the advantage of playing at home, but they could rely on the one-goal surplus they achieved about a month ago in the first match at the Santiago Bernabeu.Real Madrid have the highest goals scored per match average in La Liga at this point (2.1). Tonight’s opponents Villarreal are ranked 8th with an average of 1.3. pic.twitter.com/32sm6uNb3Z— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) April 8, 2023 The shock must have been even bigger for Blaugrana fans when they watched a relatively dominant performance from their age-old enemy. And at their own ground. Vinicius Junior’s goal was followed by the incredible Karim Benzema and his second hat-trick in two consecutive matches. A spectacular 4-0 for Real in the middle of Camp Nou secured the Blancos’ passage to the final against Osasuna, and embarrassed Xavi and his boys, who are the sovereign leaders of La Liga.This result was a huge relief for Carlo Ancelotti’s men, because after all, they are 12 points behind Barcelona with 11 rounds to go. It will be very difficult for them in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, where Chelsea, currently led by the returning Frank Lampard, will stand in their way.In the Primera last weekend, Real unleashed their anger on Valladolid (6-0) after the unsuccessful El Clasico, the one in the league, which took place at Camp Nou in mid-March, where Barca triumphed 2-1. And again, the French executor Benzema played the leading role, scoring a hat-trick in just seven minutes, followed by Rodrygo, Asensio and Vasquez. Valladolid found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.##EDITORS_CHOICE##Now, however, the team from the Spanish capital is waiting for a slightly better opponent. Villarreal’s performances of late prove that they deserve to participate in European cups next season. They are currently in sixth place, seven points ahead of seventh-placed Bilbao.Last weekend, Quique Setien’s men welcomed fourth-placed Sociedad to their stadium in a prestigious match. The spectators at the Estadio de la Ceramica had to wait until the 77th minute for the opening goal, but the wait was worth it. The home team scored twice through Dani Parejo and Nicholas Jackson and paved their way to victory.Real Madrid and Villarreal have already met twice this season, and both games were played in January. First, Villarreal hosted the Blancos in a league match, and surprisingly, enjoyed a 2-1 victory. Just 12 days later, Villarreal managed to repeat the feat in the Spanish cup, when they led 2-0 at half-time, but then Real came to their senses and scored goals. Vinicius, Eder Militao and Dani Ceballos turned the match in Los Blancos’ favor.Real Madrid’s expected lineup for the match against Villarreal. — @marca pic.twitter.com/3Pkfyj819w— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) April 7, 2023 Real Madrid welcome Villarreal in perhaps the best moment of the season. Ten goals scored in the last two games, and zero conceded, boosts confidence ahead of the quarter-finals of the Champions League, which will take place on Wednesday at the Bernabeu.Setien’s Villarreal travel to Madrid looking to counter the spectacular firepower the Blancos showed against Valladolid and Barcelona. The offensive trance Real are in is directed by Karim Benzema, with two consecutive hat-tricks, in response to unjustified criticism of Los Blancos’ captain not so long ago.Villarreal arrive at the Bernabeu with a series of good games and results at the best moment of the season, but the Yellows have achieved only one victory at the Bernabeu to date, and that in the 2017/2018 season thanks to Pablo Fornals’ goal.LA LIGA – ROUND 28FridaySevilla – Celta 2-2 (1-0)/En Nesyri 43, Acuna 81 – Rodriguez 89, Paciencia 90+3/SaturdayOsasuna – Elche 2-1 (0-1) IN PROGRESS/Abde 71, 84 – Tete Morente 44/17:15: (3.45) Espanyol (3.25) Ath.Bilbao (2.35)19:30: (1.70) Sociedad (3.60) Getafe (6.25)22:00: (1.55) Real Madrid (4.10) Villareal (6.00)Sunday15:00: (2.50) Valladolid (3.05) Mallorca (3.10)17:15: (1.70) Betis (3.80) Cadiz (5.80)19:30: (3.10) Almeria (3.30) Valencia (2.50)22:00: (4.30) Rayo Vallecano (3.40) Atl.Madrid (1.90)Monday22:00: (1.30) Barcelona (5.50) Girona (10.0)***odds are subject to change***
