Real Madrid seek to continue the streak before Barcelona

Real Madrid visit Villarreal on Thursday evening with the intention of staying at the top of the table with a win. This is especially important given that the team already dropped two points in their recent visit to Levante and on Sunday they welcome the almighty Barcelona in the women’s version of El Clásico.

Now, at this juncture I should point out that despite the famous fixture in the men’s game between these eternal club rivals going by that name, in the women’s game it is different. Madrid, after all, have only recently created a team. The real Clásico in this league is Atlético Madrid against Barcelona, but times are changing and this name is being associated more and more. [Editor]

Madrid have Barcelona on the mind

For this reason, and given that manager Alberto Toril has his entire squad available, the coach will make rotations so that his players arrive as fresh as possible for Sunday’s encounter. Thus, Nahikari, who is in good form, could start again giving rest to Esther, with Weir, who has scored three goals in the last three games in support.

Changes are also expected on the wings, with Kenti and Olga potentials to return to the eleven after being substitutes in the recent victory over Sevilla.

The opponent is in decent form too. Despite occupying the lower part of the table with four points, picked up against Alavés (0-4) and Valencia (1-1), their coach Sara Monforte believes that her team has recovered the level of last season and is optimistic ahead of the match. She will not be able to count on Rocío García, who underwent surgery last Tuesday for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee and will look at possible rotation options were Sunday’s clash, also at home, against Betis in mind.

A great atmosphere is expected in a meeting that last season saw Madrid do the double (2-0 and 0-1).