Villarreal vs Real Madrid LIVE: Kylian Mbappe scores the opener! (0-1) 2025-26 LaLiga Matchday 21

Villarreal had a golden opportunity to level the match, but Gerard Moreno fired his shot over the crossbar.

Franco Mastantuono received a yellow card.

Pau Navarro received a yellow card after a tackle against Vinicius Jr.

Tajon Buchanan received a yellow card.

Kylian Mbappe scores the opener of the game!!

Villarreal and Real Madrid are already playing the second half!

The first half at Estadio de la Ceramica has finished!

Villarreal nearly took the lead as Pape Gueye unleashed a thunderous strike that whistled just wide of Thibaut Courtois' goal.

The Brazilian forward fired a powerful strike from outside the box that whistled just past Luiz Júnior's right post.

After a high-paced stretch, the game’s intensity has dropped significantly. Both sides are currently struggling to create chances, and the match has entered a quiet period with little action at either end.

After a sharp combination with Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe unleashed a powerful strike, but Luiz Júnior was well-positioned to make the save.

Following a counter-attack led by Franco Mastantuono, Arda Guler struck from outside the area, but his shot went over the crossbar.

Villarreal's Juan Foyth left the field injured to make way for Rafa Marin.

The Turkish midfielder danced into the box, leaving two defenders in his wake before unleashing a powerful strike. However, Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Júnior was equal to the task, producing a sharp save to keep the match scoreless

The home side is currently dictating the tempo, launching the more dangerous attacks as it look to break the deadlock. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have been forced into a more defensive posture.

Both teams are actively seeking the opening goal, creating an engaging, end-to-end contest in the early stages. While the pace remains high and both sides are pushing forward, no clear-cut scoring opportunities have materialized thus far.

Villarreal's Juan Foyth received the first yellow card of the game after a foul against Jude Bellingham.

The game between Villarreal and Real Madrid is underway!

Players from both teams are on the pitch. Everything is ready for the start of the match!

Players for both sides have taken the field for warmups!

Alvaro Arbeloa will be unable to count on Aurelien Tchouameni due to suspension, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, and Eder Militao are out due to injury.

However, the manager has welcomed back Rodrygo, who was sidelined with an injury, and Brahim Diaz, who returns after competing with Morocco in the AFCON.

This will be Villarreal's starting XI for today: Luiz Júnior; Pau Navarro, Juan Foyth, Renato Veiga, Alfonso Pedraza; Tajon Buchanan, Dani Parejo, Pape Gueye, Alberto Moleiro; Gerard Moreno, Georges Mikautadze.

This will be Real Madrid starting lineup for today: Thibaut Courtois; Federico Valverde, Raul Asencio, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras; Arda Guler, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham; Franco Mastantuono, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.

Cesar Soto Grado has been appointed to officiate the clash between Villarreal and Real Madrid. He will be joined on the field by Carlos Alvarez and Ruben Becerril, who are set to serve as the assistant referees.

Full officiating team:

• Referee: Cesar Soto Grado (SPA)
• Assistant Referee 1: Carlos Alvarez (SPA)
• Assistant Referee 2: Ruben Becerril (SPA)
• Fourth official: Manuel Pozueta (SPA)
• VAR: Mario Melero (SPA)

Villarreal vs Real Madrid will get underway at the Estadio de la Ceramica at 3:00 PM (ET).

Fubo will be the primary option to watch Villarreal vs Real Madrid in the USA. Other options are: ESPN+, ESPN Deportes and DirecTV Stream.

Welcome to our live blog of LaLiga! Villarreal face Real Madrid today on Matchday 21, with both teams looking to secure three vital points to stay at the top of the standings!

Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates of this exciting game!