Real Madrid’s star faces a delicate night in the race for La Liga

Europe 24 January 2026 at 14:08

Khaled Hegazy

News Editor

24.01.26 FT LaLiga Spain

Villarreal

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Real Madrid

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Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior will play against Villarreal under the threat of suspension if he receives yellow card.

Brazil forward Vinicius Jr will take the field with extra pressure when Real Madrid face Villarreal on Saturday in La Liga. The match will be played at La Ceramica Stadium as part of Round 21 of the Spanish league season.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Vinicius is one yellow card away from suspension. If he is booked against Villarreal he will miss Real Madrid’s next league match against Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Tight title race adds more importance

Real Madrid go into the match sitting second in La Liga with 48 point, just one point behind leaders Barcelona. Villarreal in third place with 41 point and they have played one match fewer than the Madrid side.

With the top of the table so close, every point matters and Real Madrid will be keen to avoid any setbacks as the race for the title continues.

Tough record at La Ceramica

Real Madrid have not found it easy in recent visits to Villarreal. The club has managed only two win in their last ten trip to La Ceramica. The rest ended in six draw and two defeats showing how difficult this stadium has been for the Spanish giants.

Villarreal led by coach Marcelino Garcia Toral have also been strong at home this season. They have lost only one league match at La Ceramica, 2-0 defeat to Barcelona on 21 December.

Most of their other home games ended in wins, with the only other slip being 2-2 draw against Real Betis earlier in the campaign.

Related teams and leagues

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Real Madrid

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