Real Madrid could find themselves top of the table this evening if they beat Villarreal and both Barcelona and Atletico drop points away at Deportivo La Coruna and Athletic Bilbao respectively.
La Liga looked a forgone conclusion just a few short weeks ago but Barcelona’s dramatic loss in form combined with the strong winning runs by both Madrid teams mean the league looks like it will go down to the wire.
While their title rivals face tricky away trips this evening, Real host high flying Villarreal – no easy three points either.
The Yellow Submarine come into the game having qualified for the semi finals of the Europa League and looking to clinch fourth spot in La Liga. They lost last time out at Rayo Vallecano however and with Los Blancos having won their last five at home, netting 20 goals in the process, Real should have enough in them to overcome this hurdle.
In terms of team news, Gareth Bale will sit out the game through injury with James Rodriguez expected to fill in for the Welshman.
The visitors welcome back Bruno and Antonio Rukavina from suspension but Tomas Pina looks to be short as his is struggling with a knee problem.
Probable line-ups:
Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, Casemiro; Ronaldo, Benzema, Rodriguez
Villarreal: Areola; Mario, Bailly, Ruiz, Rukavina; Santos, Trigueros, Bruno, Suarez; Bakambu, Soldado
