Projected Lineups for Real Madrid vs. Villarreal in 2026-27 LaLiga Matchday 8

Real Madrid comes into this match following a 2-1 loss to Atlético on September 20, which followed victories over Elche (3-2) on September 15 and Rayo Vallecano (4-1) on September 12.

In contrast, Villarreal is on a stronger momentum, having won 3-1 against Levante last Saturday and following a 3-1 victory over Málaga on September 17. Their only recent setback was a 2-1 loss to Real Betis on September 14.

A key question surrounds Kylian Mbappé's availability for this match. He suffered an injury while playing for France during the UEFA Nations League but is expected to start.

For the match, Mourinho is projected to field Real Madrid in a 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Thibaut Courtois in goal behind a defense of Antonio Rüdiger, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, and Álvaro Carreras. Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni will occupy the midfield pivot, while Bernardo Silva, Vinícius Júnior, and Arda Güler will support Mbappé in attack.

Projected lineup for Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois, Antonio Rüdiger, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, Álvaro Carreras, Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Bernardo Silva, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Arda Güler. Coach: José Mourinho.

Villarreal, managed by Iñigo Pérez, is expected to set up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Péter Gulácsi in goal and a back line of Sergi Cardona, Renato Veiga, Pau Navarro, and Santiago Mourino. The midfield will consist of Ayoze Pérez, Pape Gueye, Ilias Akhomach, and Santi Comesaña, while Alberto Moleiro and Gerard Moreno will lead the attack. With no absences reported, Pérez can utilize his full squad, relying on the striking partnership of Moreno and Moleiro to maintain their scoring form from the previous match.

Projected lineup for Villarreal (4-4-2): Péter Gulácsi, Sergi Cardona, Renato Veiga, Pau Navarro, Santiago Mourino, Ayoze Pérez, Pape Gueye, Ilias Akhomach, Santi Comesaña, Alberto Moleiro, Gerard Moreno. Coach: Iñigo Pérez.