The big battle arrives without Tchouameni. Second against third.
A trip to the fortress of the fourth-best home side in LaLiga. And Arbeloa’s first real test. Under those circumstances, Plan B: Camavinga. With Carreras back – he was suspended against Monaco – the left-back position is covered, allowing him to return to midfield. He will be the anchor against the Yellow Submarine. A chance for redemption, amid the doubts that tend to surround him when he operates in the engine room. A global shop window.
Arbeloa has four absences in addition to Tchouameni: Trent, Militao, Rüdiger and Mendy. Without them, the back line remains stretched to the limit. Valverde will stay at right-back, alongside Asencio, who is pushing to play despite still feeling the effects of his tibia issue. The defense will be completed by Huijsen and the aforementioned Carreras. In midfield, alongside Camavinga, will be Güler – recently restored to form – and Bellingham.
The return of Mastantuono
Up front, Arbeloa’s call is clear: Mastantuono is rediscovering his football, and Arbeloa wants to stick with him. Add to that Rodrygo’s lack of minutes and the fact that Brahim has only just returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, and the debate tilts in his favor. He will partner Mbappé and Vinicius.
That makes Real Madrid’s likely lineup against Villarreal: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Güler, Camavinga, Bellingham; Mastantuono, Mbappé and Vinicius.