Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo. (Photo : Getty Images)
Real Madrid attempts to continue their storybook run with manager Zinedine Zidane as the duke it out with Villarreal at Santiago Bernabéu. On the other hand, Villarreal will try to extend its winning streak to three when they play Eibar at Mestalia.
Real Madrid vs. Villarreal at 4:00 p.m US ET: Live Stream on beIn Sports USA, beIn Sports Canada, Sky Go Extra (UK) Starting Lineups, Sports Stream / Lineup & Stats on ESPN FC
On the line: Nobody expected Real Madrid to come from the dead and contend for the La Liga championship heading into the final four games of their La Liga campaign. It as if Zidane arrived as the messiah to save the Los Blancos from what looked like then a very dismaying season. At 23-6-4 (75 points), Real Madrid has a legit shot at snatching the domestic title out of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid's hands.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his world-class supporting cast have been on a roll of late, winning their last four La Liga matches and six overall. Their incredible run all started with a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in their latest El Classico encounter. After that, Madrid has been untouchable, blowing away their foes with their high-octane offense.
Meanwhile, Villarreal (17-9-7, 60 points) has a very good of chance of securing a UEFA champions league playoff spot. The Yellow submarine is coming off a loss a 2-1 loss but had won four of their five matches, including two UEFA Europa League showdowns with Sparta Prague to advance to the semis. A victory over Madrid would not only dent their La Liga championship hope, it will also give them more breathing room from its closest trailer Athletic Bilbao (16-6-11, 54 points).
Prediction & Predicted Winner: Real Madrid will do everything to blow by Villarreal within the first 45 minutes of the match. Ronaldo, who is reportedly working on a new deal with Madrid to stay with the ballclun until his retirement in 2020, will be once again leading their attack. Villarreal, on the other hand, will try to keep the game defense-oriented, hoping they can sneak in a goal down the stretch. But in the end, I have Real Madrid winning 3-1.
