Real Madrid aim to maintain Bernabeu record against Villarreal

Real Madrid host Villarreal at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, 10 October 2026, as they look to preserve their perfect home record at the start of the LaLiga season.

The match, part of the eighth round of the campaign, begins at 19:00 GMT. Villarreal arrive in Madrid with renewed momentum after winning their final two matches before the international break, although their defensive record remains a major concern.

The game will be shown in France on DAZN France and Disney+ France; in Spain on DAZN LaLiga and Movistar+; in Belgium on Prime Video; in the United Kingdom and Ireland on Premier Sports 1 and Disney+; in Italy on DAZN Italie and 20 Mediaset; in Germany and Austria on DAZN Allemagne and Prime Video; in Sub-Saharan Africa on Canal+ Afrique (Canal+ 4) or StarTimes / GOtv; in MENA on beIN Sports 1 and TOD; in the United States on ESPN+, ESPN Deportes and Prime Video; and in the Middle East on beIN Sports 1 and TOD.

Real Madrid hold the recent advantage

Real Madrid have won the past four meetings between the sides and are unbeaten in their last six encounters, recording five victories and one draw.

Villarreal have also struggled historically when visiting the Spanish capital. The Yellow Submarine have lost more LaLiga matches at Real Madrid than at any other opponent, with 18 defeats, six draws and only two wins.

The teams’ most recent meetings have produced the following results:

– 24 January 2026, LaLiga: Villarreal 0-2 Real Madrid – 4 October 2025, LaLiga: Real Madrid 3-1 Villarreal – 15 March 2025, LaLiga: Villarreal 1-2 Real Madrid – 5 October 2024, LaLiga: Real Madrid 2-0 Villarreal – 19 May 2024, LaLiga: Villarreal 4-4 Real Madrid

Contrasting starts to the season

Real Madrid have suffered two defeats in their opening seven league matches, a record not seen since 2014/15, when they had five wins at this stage. The results have tempered the optimism surrounding Jose Mourinho’s return, with Real Madrid fourth before the international break and six points behind FC Barcelona.

Villarreal made a slow start under Inigo Perez but recovered with successive victories before the break. Their defence, however, has yet to keep a clean sheet in LaLiga this season. They have also gone 11 consecutive away matches without shutting out an opponent, winning only one of their past seven games on the road, alongside four draws and two defeats.

Despite a significant injury list affecting Real Madrid’s defence, their attacking form at the Santiago Bernabeu makes them favourites. Villarreal have shown threat going forward but remain vulnerable at the back.

Africafoot’s prediction is a 2-1 win for Real Madrid. The listed 1xbet odds are 1.36 for a Real Madrid victory, 5.75 for a draw and 7.50 for a Villarreal win.