Real Madrid reclaimed their 1st position after Barcelona had momentarily displaced them from the pinnacle after a hard fought win over Atletico Madrid. But Real Madrid surpassed that with a dramatic win over Villarreal in a match where they were 0-2 down. Luck, quality and a whole lot of determination saw them through and establish their mettle as prospective Champions if there was any doubt in the first place.
Villarreal had seemingly blown a three-way battle for the title with Barcelona and Sevilla wide open when quickfire second-half goals from Manu Trigueros and Cedric Bakambu had the hosts 2-0 up at Estadio de la Ceramica. The visitors were second best throughout much of the match, but Gareth Bale – starting for the first time since November after an ankle injury – led the comeback with a well-placed header in the 64th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo then restored parity by becoming LaLiga’s leading penalty scorer with 57 after Bruno Soriano was harshly penalised for handball in the area. Morata completed the astonishing comeback when he headed in a Marcelo cross to send the travelling fans into raptures.
They will hope to have a simpler game against Las Palmas at home. Los Blancos drew against the same opposition on the road and a revenge is one the cards. Palmas are nestled comfortably in midtable but will look to break into the top 10 by the end of the season and will play without any pressure on them.
Predicted 4-3-3 Real Madrid Lineup To Destroy Las Palmas
DEFENCE
The last few weeks haven’t been the easiest for the Real Madrid defence and Varane’s absence has compounded matters. Keylor Navas will be in goal as usual and will be backing himself to keep a clean sheet after letting a few go by him recently. Carvajal will be at right back with the pair of Pepe and Sergio Ramos joining hands once again to marshall the backline. At left-back, it will be the uber adventurous Marcelo who will be tasked with dominating the left flank.
MIDFIELD
The midfield trio of Kroos, Casemiro and Modric will complete the 3-man midfield. The trio was awesome in the initial stages of the season before several injuries disrupted the rhythm. While they are back together, the same amount of ease and fluidity has been missing.
ATTACK
Ronaldo will be on the left-flank while Benzema is expected to be lead the line. He will be under pressure from Morata who notched the winner. Bale might not be risked after a little niggle saw him substituted in his first start after the long-term layoff. Lucas Vasquez will take his place on the right.
