Preview

Mar

2025

Preview: Villarreal entertain Real Madrid at the Ceramica

Real Madrid travel to Villarreal in LaLiga just days after their thrilling encounter with Madrid rivals Atlético in the Champions League. Extra-time and penalties were needed to separate the two teams, and Villarreal will be hoping to take advantage of some tired legs in this one.

By Matt Smith

Those who are neutral and planning on tuning in to this one will be desperate to see a repeat of this same fixture last season. A 4-4 draw was played out on Villarreal’s home turf back in May last year, with all the goals coming within the first 56 minutes. Madrid did, however, win the most recent meeting, securing a 2-0 victory at home earlier this season.

*The corresponding fixture last season!*

Team News

A little rotation wouldn’t be a surprise for Madrid in this one considering they played 120 minutes on Wednesday evening. In terms of injuries, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Dani Ceballos, and Ferland Mendy are all unavailable for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Kiko Femenía, Ilias Akhomach, and Gerard Moreno were all out injured in Villarreal’s previous match, and they are unlikely to return to face Madrid this weekend.

Villarreal need to bounce back

Villarreal have been in impressive form as they continue to push for the Champions League places. Marcelino’s side were previously unbeaten in six games, but then suffered a disappointing defeat away to relegation-threatened Deportivo Alavés last time out.

*Momentum chart from Villarreal’s frustrating defeat at Alavés*

Alavés ended the game with nine men, but Villarreal couldn’t find a way through as they succumbed to a 1-0 loss. Ignoring Barcelona and Real Madrid, Villarreal have created more big chances, expected goals (xG), and scored more goals than any other side in LaLiga this season.

Inconsistency growing for Madrid

Competing in multiple competitions could be taking its toll on Madrid when it comes to their league form. Ancelotti’s men have won just twice in their last five fixtures in the league, with Barcelona sitting a place above them going in to the weekend.

Madrid are frightening going forward when Ancelotti is able to play his best side, creating 53.3 expected goals in 27 league games so far this season. A win could see Madrid climb above Barcelona if the Catalan outfit lose or draw, but Hansi Flick’s side will still have a game in hand.

Mbappé the difference-maker

It’s been an impressive start to life in Madrid for Kylian Mbappé, providing 21 goals and assists in LaLiga this term. The French forward has been in unstoppable form since the turn of the year, domestically speaking, only failing to provide a goal contribution in three matches in 2025.

Madrid’s front four of Vinicíus Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Mbappé is up there with the best in the world at the moment, and Villarreal are going to have to be at their best to keep them quiet if Ancelotti starts the quartet once again.

Prediction

Tired legs could creep in with Madrid playing midweek and Villarreal having seven days rest, but Ancelotti’s men are in a seriously competitive race for the title.

We’re going for a 2-1 victory for Madrid in what will be a tight encounter.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from LaLiga with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2025

Preview: Manchester City and Brighton meet in pivotal clash at the Etihad

In-form Brighton have it in them to cause an upset away to an inconsistent Manchester City.

By Ian King

Seagulls soaring

Brighton arrive in Manchester for this match in excellent form, with four straight wins in the Premier League and a place in the FA Cup Quarter-Finals having been booked with an impressive win away to Newcastle United. Manchester City, meanwhile, have become the Premier League’s least consistent team, having alternated between winning and losing over their last five matches in the league.

Brighton looking for first win at City

That Brighton beat City 2-1 at The Amex earlier this season was a rare occurrence. The two clubs have met 16 times since Abu Dhabi bought City, and this was only Brighton’s second win. Their only other against them came at the end of the 2020/21 season when they beat them 3-2 at The Amex. Prior to that, their last League win came back in April 1989. Brighton have never won an away match against Manchester City.

Key players

The issue with playing against Brighton is that their goals can come from so many different sources. João Pedro has scored in his last three games, but there’s also Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck, Yankuba Minteh and Georginio Rutter to have to deal with. If Manchester City are to go on the front foot, the involvement of Omar Marmoush could be crucial. He was highly impressive in scoring a hat-trick against Newcastle last month but hasn’t scored since.

Team News

Well, at least there haven’t been any additions to the Manchester City walking wounded. Rodri, Nathan Ake, John Stones, Manuel Akaji and Oscar Bobb all remain on the long-term injured list. Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovačić and Omar Marmoush did not start their 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest, though they could feature this time around.

Brighton have an even lengthier injury list. Joel Veltman should return soon but may not be ready in time for this one, while the same goes for Lewis Dunk and Matthew O’Riley. Any or all of those three could be called up for this one. Igor Junior, James Milner, Ferdi Kadıoğlu and Jason Steele are longer-term injuries.

Prediction

There are many conflicting factors which make trying to make a prediction for this match feel like peering through a particularly thick fog. There’s Manchester City’s inconsistency over recent matches, and the fug they’ve been in all season regardless. There’s Brighton’s abysmal record at The Etihad; it’s worth pointing out at this juncture that not only have Brighton never won away there, but they’ve never drawn there either.

And then there’s the fact that although they’ve been impressive in their last five games, Brighton do have that hint of the unpredictable about them. Their last defeat prior to the start of their recent little run was that 7-0 routing at Nottingham Forest. But Brighton are only a point behind City, and even the lengthiest runs without a win will end some time. So I’m going for a 3-2 Brighton win, though the score could be more unlikely even than this.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2025

Preview: Amorim’s United battle Real Sociedad for a place in the last eight of the Europa League

No prizes for guessing there’s expectation on the home side to win this second leg and progress in the Europa League, but Manchester United’s form at Old Trafford – apparently soon to be the subject of a big rebuild – is spotty in the extreme, giving visitors Real Sociedad at least some reason for optimism.

By Karl Matchett

First leg repeat?

The Spanish outfit will perhaps still be feeling they should have given themselves a lead on home soil to head to Manchester with, following a 90 minutes of more possession, more big chances, a higher xG and generally a more replicable performance. Even so, they netted only from the penalty spot in a 1-1 draw and are up against it as a result, with a poor away record of their own and with the team stuttering badly heading into the season run-in.

Rúben Amorim needs a launchpad of his own all the same. The still-new Man United boss is seeking consistency, not just in results but in performance levels in different parts of the team. There seem to be a few partnerships now developing and individuals establishing themselves as first-choice picks, but it remains about getting a tune from them on the night. The route looks reasonable if United get past this challenge: Lyon (sixth in Ligue 1), Roma (seventh in Serie A) and Rangers shouldn’t really hold too many fears. United, though, remain lower than each (14th).

Recent form

One win in six games for United across all competitions, highlighting the struggles they continue to face. At home, they’ve also won four of the last 11, dating back to early December. So a win is far from a foregone conclusion – but at least that’s better than what La Real can offer away from home. They’ve lost five of the last six on the road and haven’t won in four at all anywhere.

Team news

Much of the same as far as United are concerned. The likes of Mason Mount, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw and Amad Diallo are all sidelined, while there are doubts surrounding Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte. Joshua Zirkzee scored in the first leg and will hope to lead the line here. For Sociedad, Jon Aramburu and Álvaro Odriozola are notable injury doubts and Jon Pacheco is definitely out.

Key player

With Maguire and Yoro absent, it might fall on Matthijs de Ligt to produce a long-overdue dominant display to keep United in the clear. The Dutch defender has won just 57% of his tackles, 63% of his aerial challenges and made four recoveries per 90 minutes in the competition this term in Europe – none of those rank as anything more than about the 50th percentile for centre-backs in the competition. He needs to improve significantly and rediscover his old imperious self, and fast.

*de Ligt’s defensive numbers in the Europa League, 2024/25*

Prediction

A tie to go the distance if United aren’t clinical – and then it’s a coin toss when it comes to penalties: Man United 1 Real Sociedad 1 (2-2 agg).

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Europa League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, player ratings, and a new super-intuitive knockout stage bracket. Download the free app here.

Mar

2025

Preview: Chelsea out to overcome first major hurdle en route to the Conference League title

Chelsea are the overwhelming favourites to win the UEFA Conference League title this season. Just three knockout rounds will stand between them and the trophy should they manage to defend an aggregate lead at home against FC København.

By Neel Shelat

Chelsea’s spotless record against Danish clubs

Thursday’s match at Stamford Bridge will be Chelsea’s 10th meeting with a Danish club, and they are yet to taste defeat against such opponents. The Blues got the better of Stævnet and FC Nordsjælland in each of their encounters, while this is the third time they have been drawn against Denmark’s most successful team in a continental Round of 16 tie.

Their previous meetings were, of course, in different competitions. Brian Laudrup scored the decisive goal in their Cup Winners’ Cup tie in 1998, while Nicolas Anelka’s brace separated the two teams in the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League season.

A clear route to the final for Chelsea

Having been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions, the UEFA Conference League is the only competition Chelsea can realistically hope to win this season. They should certainly be disappointed if they fail to do so, as most models give them significantly more than a one in two chance of lifting the trophy.

A big reason behind those high odds has to be their relatively clear route to the final. Of course, it would be unwise to take any opponent for granted in a European knockout, but all of Chelsea’s potential opponents until the final are not quite at the same level as them. Should they reach the quarter-finals, the Blues will face either Molde or Legia Warszawa. Thereafter, their potential semi-final opponents are Cypriot side Pafos, Swedish outfit Djurgården, Bosnian champions Borac Banja Luka and Rapid Wien of Austria. Meanwhile, stronger sides like Fiorentina, Real Betis and Vitória are on the other side of the bracket.

Will FC København switch formations again?

FC København switched to a three-centre-back system for just the second time this season in the first leg of this tie. Despite it being a home match for them, they kept their lowest share of possession in a match without red cards this term. Evidently, their plan was to try and contain Chelsea as far as possible, and it did work to a decent extent as they kept a clean sheet in the first half and only came away with a one-goal deficit in the end.

They now need to win to stay in the competition, so they may well have to stick to their trusted back four formation and risk a more open game in search of a goal or two.

Noteworthy absences for both sides

Both teams will be without some key players in this match. Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke are big misses in Chelsea’s attack, while Reece James and Malo Gusto are doubtful to start. The visitors will be without attacking starlet Roony Bardghji as well as Indonesian international Kevin Diks. Thomas Delaney, Andreas Cornelius and Lukas Lerager are some noteworthy doubts.

Prediction

It is quite tough to see Chelsea throwing away an aggregate lead at home, so they should be expected to see out the tie with relative comfort. They will take a 1-0.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Conference League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, player ratings, and a new super-intuitive knockout stage bracket. Download the free app here.

Mar

2025

Preview: Spurs looking for a second leg comeback against AZ

It’s D-Day for Ange Postecoglou, with Tottenham’s season hanging in the balance ahead of their Europa League Round of 16 return match against AZ Alkmaar.

By Ian King

Since the first leg

A mis-hit cross and a penalty caused by a rush of blood to the head of an opposing goalkeeper was enough to salvage a point for Spurs against Bournemouth on Sunday, but there was little else positive to take from the match beyond having somehow scrambled from 2-0 down to get a draw.

AZ haven’t played since the first leg of this fixture, but they already have a better chance of picking up some silverware and qualifying for Europe than Spurs this season having booked their place in the KNVB Cup final against Go Ahead Eagles. They’re the bookmakers favourites to win that Cup final, which is set to be played in Rotterdam in April.

A third meeting of the season

These two hadn’t met prior to this season’s Europa League, with Spurs beating AZ back in the league phase, but then losing that first leg in the Netherlands, with both games ending 1-0.

Generally, Spurs fair well against Dutch opposition and have only lost five of 23 previous meetings. Arguably the greatest recent night in their history came in Amsterdam in 2019, when Lucas Moura was the unlikely hero of an incredible Champions League semi-final second leg which they won 3-2 to sneak through on goal difference. AZ’s only previous appearance in a European final was against English opposition; Ipswich Town in 1981. They lost a two-legged final 5-4 on aggregate. They’ve lost all nine of their previous trips to England.

Key players

One small bright spot from the Bournemouth match for Spurs was the return of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero following lengthy injuries. The Spurs defence has missed van de Ven’s pace and Romero’s bite very much indeed, these last few weeks. For AZ, there is that one connection to Spurs. Troy Parrott came through the youth system at Spurs but only made two appearances from them before eventually being sold to AZ last summer. He’s scored 17 goals in all competitions for them this season, more than anyone has managed for Spurs.

Team News

Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended for Spurs following a yellow card in the first leg. Archie Gray or Lucas Bergvall should deputise. Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison are also injured. For AZ, Mayckel Lahdo and Denso Kasius both had to be withdrawn from the first leg and will be missing this time around, while Sven Mijnan, Ruben van Bommel, Jayden Addai and Mexx Meerdink are also injured.

Prediction

There is something deliciously Spurs-esque about dedicating your season to the cups and then getting knocked out of both domestic ones in the space of four days, and the upshot of this is that this match has taken on a distended importance to their season. Getting past Spurs would be a major scalp for AZ and they’ve already demonstrated themselves as a decent cup team this season. Spurs going 1-0 up, chasing a second goal, and getting caught on the hop by an equaliser and eliminated by a 1-1 draw.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2025

Preview: Madrid Derby set to bring UCL Round of 16 to dramatic close

The Madrid derby headlines the final fixture slot of this season’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

By Neel Shelat

Atléti out to finish the job they accepted

Of course, no team can ever be entirely satisfied with defeat, but Atlético Madrid seemed to be content enough with keeping a one-goal margin in the scoreline last week. Diego Simeone’s decision to replace Antoine Griezmann with centre-back Robin Le Normand in the 71st minute certainly suggested that, and it was the hosts who came closest to scoring the fourth goal of the match.

Atlético are famed for their defensive resolution and ability to hold on to slender leads, but the flip side of that is that they do not have a lot of experience in overturning first leg deficits. In fact, they have only ever done so once in the UEFA Champions League, though they did manage to win two other such ties on penalties.

Metropolitano a tough venue even for Real Madrid

Since the Metropolitano Stadium opened in 2017, it has proven to be a very tough venue for Real Madrid. Los Blancos have only won twice in their nine visits to the ground and were defeated twice last season, in LaLiga as well as the Copa del Rey. They also suffered disappointment on Atlético’s home turf earlier this term when Ángel Correa scored an equaliser deep into stoppage-time to cap off a very tense match that was also interrupted due to fan disorder.

*The last five derbies at the Metropolitano*

This will be the first Euroderbi at the Metropolitano, and hopefully it will be a memorable one for sporting reasons.

Real better rested from the weekend

Both of Spain’s premier capital clubs are in for a very busy conclusion to the season as they are in the hunt for all three major trophies. So, player load management will be an especially big factor in the remainder of their campaigns. For this match, it seems Real Madrid might have the upper hand in that respect.

Between their Euroderbi legs, both sides had tough league fixtures last weekend as they faced other regional rivals. Real Madrid managed to come away with a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano while rotating about half of their side, but Atléti suffered a dramatic defeat to Getafe by the same scoreline despite only making a couple of changes to their line-up. Worse yet for them, Clément Lenglet felt an issue in the warm-up and Rodrigo De Paul picked up a knock and went off at half-time.

More moments of individual brilliance in a more open game?

The story of the first leg was of three goals borne out of moments of individual quality. The rest of the game was quite cagey as Atlético particularly looked to keep things tight and Real were cautious of giving away anything cheaply. Simeone’s side will likely have to come out of their shell more in this match, so we could well get a more open encounter that offers the superstar forwards more opportunities to showcase their brilliance.

Prediction

Atlético are unlikely to overcommit, so a tight game should be expected. Real are certainly not short of quality, so they could well do enough to come away with a 1-1 draw.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Champions League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, player ratings, and a new super-intuitive knockout stage bracket. Download the free app here.

Mar

2025

Preview: Barcelona looking to finally see off Benfica in the Champions League

Barcelona host Benfica in the Champions League Round of 16 second-leg tie at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. Hansi Flick’s side go into the game with a 1-0 lead on aggregate after an important victory in Lisbon last week.

By Matt Smith

In the first leg, Barcelona secured a 1-0 victory despite going down to 10 men after 22 minutes. Pau Cubarsí was sent off, but that didn’t stop Raphinha scoring the winner in the second half.

The home side will be looking to honour the life of their team doctor, Carles Miñarro Garcia, who passed away at the weekend just hours before their game against Osasuna in LaLiga, which was ultimately postponed.

Flick sweating on Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski was left out of the Barcelona squad to face Osasuna at the weekend, before that game was postponed, so Flick will be desperately hoping he’s passed fit to feature in the second leg.

The likes of Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, and Marc-André ter Stegen will all be unavailable for side from LaLiga. Christensen recently suffered a setback, while Ter Stegen and Bernal are long-term absentees.

Raphinha the main man in Europe

It has been an absolutely sensational season for Raphinha, not only domestically but in the Champions League as well. The Brazilian forward has only failed to score or provide an assist in two games in the competition this season.

Raphinha has played a crucial role for Barcelona in getting to this stage of the Champions League, and he’ll undoubtedly continue to do so if they go far in the competition. In fact, no player in this season’s competition has provided more goals and assists combined than Raphinha.

Di María misses out

Benfica have a host of injury troubles heading into this one, with Ángel Di María among those who will miss out. Manu Silva and Alexander Bah are long-term absentees, while Tiago Gouveia is also unavailable.

Alvaro Carreras picked up a yellow card in the first leg, and as a result, he’s suspended in what is a big blow for the Portuguese outfit.

Can Pavlidis strike again?

Although Vangelis Pavlidis was fairly quiet in the first leg, the Greek striker has already produced significantly against Barcelona in the Champions League this season. The 26-year-old scored a hat-trick against the Catalan giants in the league phase, although Barcelona won that epic 5-4.

*Pavlidis shooting stats, Champions League 2024/25*

Pavlidis has produced seven goals in the competition this campaign, while also providing two assists. Benfica will be desperate to see him repeat the performance he displayed earlier in the season as they battle to venture into the next round.

Prediction

With Barcelona in fine form and on their (temporary) home turf for the second leg, we’re predicting Flick’s side to win on the night and subsequently, advance into the next round.

We’re going for a 2-1 victory to Barcelona, seeing them breeze into the quarter-final 3-1 on aggregate.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

Mar

2025

Preview: Liverpool looking to get the job done against PSG in the Champions League

Despite a first-leg battering in general play terms, Liverpool somehow managed to become the first team to inflict defeat on Paris Saint-Germain in 22 games; away goals might not “count” anymore but Arne Slot’s team have a small toe in the Champions League quarter-finals all the same.

By Karl Matchett

Immovable object beat the unstoppable force – but Reds require more

Alisson Becker put in what even he described as the performance of his life in the first leg at the Parc des Princes, making nine saves including some spectacular and improbable ones. Beyond the stat though was the timing and placement of his handiwork: if he couldn’t get the ball out for a corner, his parrying ensured nothing dropped in dangerous areas to PSG shirts and he was dominant aerially too.

PSG have scored 25 goals in their last five matches, excluding that last-16 first leg tie, but the combined forces of Ousmane Dembélé (eight shots) Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (five), Bradley Barcola (three) and the rest (11) simply had no answer to Alisson…or the offside flag, on one occasion.

Whether Alisson can replicate that performance a week later is not really the question; instead it’s more about can PSG offer up something different and will Liverpool offer up something more? After one purposeful attempt – Harvey Elliott’s goal – they certainly should do, but recent first-half showings in particular are cause for concern.

Anfield has never been a place to care for numbers

You’ll doubtless have heard the phrase European nights at Anfield thrown around over the years, and that’s because it is, unquestionably, a thing.

Better teams than PSG have come unstuck there. Far worse sides than this iteration of the Reds have seen their performance levels increase significantly. And, of course, first-leg scorelines which are far more tilted against Liverpool than this one will start as, have been overcome.

The occasion, the atmosphere and the expectation of greatness will all play into what happens, and the outcomes don’t always have to follow what the numbers of the game suggest should be the case.

Recent form

Liverpool’s first third of the season was a lot more relentless than the middle third was, but they look back on track in results terms – four straight wins in all competitions and their two defeats in the last 16 both came with heavily rotated reserve sides. At home, they’re unbeaten in all competitions since 14 September. PSG have it all to do then, but in their last dozen, they’ve won 11 – just that home defeat to Liverpool blemishes their late-season form. The French champions have still yet to suffer a loss in Ligue 1 this season.

Team news

PSG should be at full strength with no absentees, while Liverpool are likely to see an unchanged squad with just Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley absent. Cody Gakpo remains a doubt but could see bench duty.

Key player

Alexis Mac Allister. There aren’t many all-rounders like him: top quarter or so of midfielders for all of shots, touches, defensive actions, chances created and goals.

Prediction

It’s hard to see PSG failing to score again, but likewise the Reds are near-perfect on their own pitch. A close-fought tie but that late first-leg goal will prove key: Liverpool 1 PSG 1 (2-1 agg).

(Cover image from IMAGO)

Mar

2025

Preview: Inter Miami face Wilfried Zaha-led Charlotte

Inter Miami’s busy early-season schedule continues as they host Wilfried Zaha and Charlotte FC at the Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday.

By James Nalton

Will Messi be back?

Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami’s trip to Houston Dynamo last week, but the team still recorded a convincing 4-1 without him.

The official explanation for his absence is fatigue, but he then also missed the home game against Jamaican side Cavalier in the Concacaf Champions Cup on Thursday, which raised further questions.

Head coach Javier Mascherano says the team need to learn to play without him, which suggests more absences in the future and also puts his presence for the home game against Charlotte in doubt.

Despite sitting out the two previous matches, Messi has been training with the team as usual and fans are hoping he’ll return to action this weekend.

A good start for Suárez

If there were questions prior to the season as to whether a 38-year-old Luis Suárez could still make a difference for Inter Miami, they have been answered within the first five games.

Suárez opened his MLS account with the final goal in last week’s 4-1 win at Houston, edging his way around three Dynamo defenders before firing in a typically unsavable shot.

His three assists were just as encouraging as his goal.

In Messi’s absence he linked up with the younger players around him, setting up two for 21-year-old Venezuelan Telasco Segovia and another for 26-year-old Mexican Tadeo Allende.

This interplay and one-touch passing showed what he can still bring to this team, as do the three goals and five assists in five games already this season.

Continental campaign continues

Inter Miami come into this game on the back of another midweek Champions Cup clash.

The 2-0 win at home to Cavalier, featuring goals from Allende and Suárez, was not as comfortable as the scoreline makes it look, though, and they made hard work of what was an expected victory.

They’ll travel to Jamaica next week with the two-goal lead, giving Mascherano some decisions to make on how much to rotate his squad and who to rest.

With Miami having just two full days break since their last game, Charlotte FC might fancy their chances.

The Zaha effect

Wilfried Zaha made his debut in Charlotte’s home opener last week having missed the first game of the season after being in London for the birth of his daughter.

He flew back to North Carolina a few days before scoring in the 2-0 win against rivals Atlanta United and being crowned Man of the Match.

If things click for Charlotte, they could challenge at the top of the Eastern Conference this season, and a good performance against Inter Miami would certainly make a statement.

It’s a statement Dean Smith’s side are capable of making. After all, they have the best goalkeeper in the league, Kristijan Kahlina, and now an attacking star and potential difference-maker in Zaha.

Prediction

Charlotte should be much stronger than a disappointing Houston side were last week. It could make for a similar match to Inter Miami’s season opener against New York City, and possibly a similar scoreline of 2-2.

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from MLS live this season with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2025

Preview: Madrid derbies galore as Real face Rayo between Euroderbi legs

A busy week in the Spanish capital continues as both Real and Atlético face regional rivals between their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie.

By Neel Shelat

Little room for error in Real’s treble chase

Much like domestic rivals Barcelona and Atlético, Real Madrid are still alive and very much in the hunt for all three major titles. The three-point gap between LaLiga’s top three means that the smallest slip-ups could prove extremely costly between now and the end of the season.

Given the fact that they are currently third in the standings and have a deficit to overturn, Los Blancos will perhaps be under the most pressure to deliver. Of course, their historic pedigree and star-studded squad only add to fans’ expectations, so anything less than a double might well be considered a slight disappointment at least.

Fresh Bellingham could be key to turning around domestic form

Jude Bellingham was suspended for three of Real Madrid’s last four matches and was certainly a big miss for the side, especially in their loss to Real Betis last weekend. That result left them with just one win in their last five league games – a run they simply cannot afford to continue if they are to seriously challenge for the title.

The return of the all-action English midfielder might well be the boost Los Blancos need to put together another winning streak. Bellingham has a critical role to play in this side as the connector between a somewhat depleted defence and powerful attack, while his defensive work is also crucial on the left flank where Vinícius Júnior likes to stay high to be a counterattacking outlet.

Rayo’s rough record at the Bernabéu

Rayo Vallecano are unbeaten in their last three home games against Real Madrid, but their record at the Santiago Bernabéu is not quite as good. In fact, their goalless draw at the famed arena last season ended a 12-match losing streak, and they have only won once in 22 visits to the home of the record European champions.

Rayo also suffered one of their worst-ever defeats at the venue about a decade ago when the famed Bale-Benzema-Ronaldo front three ran riot, so they may still be extra keen to avoid any early sendings off.

Rayo severely depleted by eight absences

Much has been made of Real Madrid’s injury issues this season, but Rayo Vallecano won’t be feeling too sorry for them at the moment. Iñigo Pérez’s side will be without eight senior players for this game, including creative maestro Isi Palazón and suspended top-scorer Jorge de Frutos among five attackers.

This long absentees list will be particularly frustrating for Rayo as they are significantly overperforming relative to expectations and budget as they currently find themselves very much in the hunt for European football. If they manage to pull through, though, this will make the achievement all the more impressive.

Prediction

Real Madrid will want to keep things as straightforward as possible ahead of a huge Champions League match in midweek, so they will surely be satisfied with a 2-0 win.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from LaLiga with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.