Marcelino Sees Real Madrid Test as One of Villarreal’s Toughest Evenings
Marcelino, the Villarreal coach, faced the media ahead of a high-stakes La Liga clash with Real Madrid. The match, scheduled for Saturday at 22:00 and broadcast live on One, is widely considered one of the most challenging assignments on Villarreal’s calendar. The Spaniard stressed that while the task looks formidable on paper, his team will approach it with focus, balance, and belief.
“This will be one of the hardest tasks for us,” Marcelino said, acknowledging the scale of the challenge ahead. “We’re not chasing league positions as a single objective. After seven rounds, we’re in a good place with 16 points, and we come to the Bernabéu with the desire to win, even though we know we’re facing an extraordinary opponent.” He added that Real Madrid arrive after a painful defeat, which could heighten their danger in the opening stages. “We know they’re a great team, with an immense track record. If we open well and push them back, we can create problems for them, but there are many tools in their arsenal to turn a game around.”
Marcelino emphasized the mental and physical demands of such a fixture, noting that success will require sustained intensity. “If we only defend and sit back, we’ll crumble. The match demands extreme effort. Juventus forced us to work hard physically, and we had just three days to recover. That’s exactly the kind of emotion we want—an exciting challenge against a club of this magnitude.”
Solomón’s Return: A Key Tactical Note
The squad news brings particular interest to Manor Solomón’s status. The Israeli winger was absent in midweek against Juventus due to Yom Kippur, but Marcelino confirmed that Solomón will be available for the Madrid match. The return of a player who can stretch defenses and create moments of invention could be pivotal as Villarreal look to unlock a compact Real Madrid defense.
Speaking on tactical approach, the coach underscored that the lineup remains largely unchanged from the Juventus game, with Solomón rejoining the fold. “The situation is the same as last time, with the same group unavailable except for Solomón. We’ll see if any changes are necessary after the travel and the physical demands of a game like this,” he said, signaling potential adjustments while keeping core pieces intact.
Real Madrid’s New System and Villarreal’s Plan to Counter
Marcelino addressed Real Madrid’s shifting strategy under their current framework, describing them as a different team—more aggressive, pressing high and embracing one-on-one duels across the pitch. “They press more, taking risks in defense, but it works for them because of their quality and the presence of big-name players in every phase of the attack,” he noted. The Spaniard stressed that Villarreal must defend exceptionally well in one-on-one scenarios and avoid inviting danger by sitting back too much. “The key is to be precise, compact, and brave with the ball. If we invite them to control the game, they will punish us.”
As for individual threats, Marcelino mentioned that while Kylian Mbappé is a headline-maker in any context, it’s a broader challenge: “We don’t prepare specifically for one player. Mbappé is in top form—quick, sharp, accurate. But Real Madrid’s quality isn’t limited to him; Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler and others form an explosive attacking trio. Our defense must be ready for multiple threats at once.”
Road to the Title and Team Morale
The question of La Liga glory came up, and Marcelino tempered expectations. “Winning a title in Spain is enormously challenging; there are two giant clubs and another very strong one, and Europe adds another layer of difficulty. Villarreal have won one trophy in their history, which is meaningful, and we’re progressing step by step. We’ll keep harmony and motivation high to finish the season on a high note.”
On form and rotation, he hinted at possible changes given the congested schedule. “We’ll see. It’s a tough period—two or three days after a physical match with Juventus. We must recover both body and mind. The team feels competitive, which matters most.”
Reflecting on past experiences at Real Madrid, Marcelino recalled a rare victory at the Bernabéu “20 years ago,” underscoring how difficult it is to win there. “At home it’s a different story, but Bernabéu is always a special challenge. To win, you need a perfect game on both sides of the pitch.” He closed with a message of belief: “We’ll come with great faith and a genuine desire to surprise.”
