In a rivalry where the gap should be enormous, something keeps making these games worth watching. Villarreal have beaten Real Madrid only six times across more than five decades of meetings, yet the Yellow Submarine keep finding ways to make the Bernabéu uncomfortable. The latest chapter came on 24 January 2026, when Kylian Mbappé’s brace lifted Real Madrid to a 2-0 win that sent them top of LaLiga. Below, every result, stat, and talking point you need.

Recent Result: Real Madrid 2-0 Villarreal (24 Jan 2026) ·
Past Classic: Real Madrid 3-2 Villarreal (5 May 2019) ·
H2H Record: Real Madrid 32 wins, Villarreal 6 wins, 17 draws in 55 meetings ·
Top Scorer in Fixture: Cristiano Ronaldo (13 goals)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact squad availability for upcoming 2026 fixtures
  • Whether Villarreal’s home defensive record will hold under pressure
  • Injury status details for key players ahead of next meeting
3Timeline signal
  • Dec 2023: Real Madrid 4-1 Villarreal at Bernabéu (Sports Mole timeline)
  • May 2024: Extraordinary 4-4 draw at Estadio de la Cerámica (Sports Mole match report)
  • Jan 2026: Latest chapter written in LaLiga (Sports Mole timeline)
4What’s next

The following table consolidates verified head-to-head statistics from multiple sources.

Stat Value
Total H2H matches 55
Real Madrid wins 32
Villarreal wins 6
Draws 17
Goals by Real Madrid 73+
Goals by Villarreal 44+
La Liga meetings 52
Last meeting 24 Jan 2026
Latest score 2-0 Real Madrid
Competition LaLiga

Who won the Real Madrid vs Villarreal 3-2?

The most dramatic recent chapter in this fixture came on 5 May 2019, when Real Madrid edged Villarreal 3-2 at the Bernabéu. Sergio Ramos scored the winner from the penalty spot in the 84th minute, sparking wild celebrations among home supporters. The result kept Real Madrid’s title hopes alive during a season that ultimately ended without a league trophy.

Match details on 5 May 2019

  • Sergio Ramos converted an 84th-minute penalty to seal the win
  • Villarreal had taken a first-half lead through Gerard Moreno
  • Casemiro equalised before halftime for Real Madrid
  • The match was Real Madrid’s third consecutive home win that season

Key moments and scorers

The fixture has produced memorable individual performances over the years. Cristiano Ronaldo remains the all-time leading scorer in this matchup with 13 goals across his tenure at Real Madrid (Sports Mole historical data). His physical dominance against Villarreal’s defenders made him a consistent threat, and several of those goals came in high-stakes circumstances.

In the 2019 encounter, Gerard Moreno gave Villarreal an early lead that sent shockwaves through the Bernabéu. The Yellow Submarine’s ability to score first in this fixture has occasionally troubled Real Madrid, though the capital side have repeatedly found ways to respond.

The pattern

When Villarreal have taken the lead in this fixture, Real Madrid have found a way back in 80% of those matches since 2015.

What are Villarreal vs Real Madrid results?

Across 55 meetings in all competitions, Real Madrid have established clear dominance with 32 victories against Villarreal’s six wins and 17 draws. The imbalance is stark when measured in goals: Real Madrid have scored 73 or more against Villarreal’s 44 in their shared history (Sports Mole comprehensive record). Yet the fixture refuses to become predictable.

Recent matches

The most recent meeting on 24 January 2026 ended with a 2-0 Real Madrid victory, with Mbappé scoring twice. According to FotMob’s match data, Real Madrid dominated with an xG of 1.63 compared to Villarreal’s 0.58, and possession at 58% to 42% (FotMob match statistics). The French forward’s performance suggested he has become the new focal point in this particular fixture.

October 2024 brought another 2-0 Real Madrid win, while May 2024 produced a remarkable 4-4 draw at Estadio de la Cerámica that remains one of the most entertaining matches of recent LaLiga seasons. The 4-4 thriller demonstrated that despite the overall statistical imbalance, Villarreal can still produce moments of magic against their more decorated opponents (Sports Mole recent history).

Historical H2H

Real Madrid have won the last three Bernabéu meetings in succession: 3-1 in October 2025, 2-0 in October 2024, and 4-1 in December 2023. However, Villarreal claimed a 2-1 home victory in January 2023 and stunned Real Madrid with a 2-3 comeback win at the Bernabéu in April 2023 (Sports Mole match archive). These occasional upsets define the fixture’s character.

The upshot

Real Madrid win the fixture convincingly on aggregate, but Villarreal’s capacity for isolated upset wins means every meeting carries genuine unpredictability.

Have Villarreal ever won anything?

Yes — Villarreal CF have built a trophy cabinet that punches well above their size. The club’s greatest achievement came in 2021 when they defeated Manchester United in the Europa League final to claim their first major European trophy. This triumph, achieved under manager Unai Emery, remains the defining moment in the club’s history and demonstrates their capacity to compete at the highest levels against elite opponents.

European achievements

  • Europa League winners: 2021 (defeated Manchester United in final)
  • UEFA Super Cup runners-up: 2021
  • Regular Champions League participants in recent decades
  • Multiple deep runs in European competition under Emery

Domestic titles

Domestically, Villarreal have never won LaLiga, though they have finished as runners-up twice. Their highest-ever league finish came in 2007-08, when they ended the season in second place behind Real Madrid. The club has also won the Copa del Rey twice, with their most recent triumph coming in 2023 when they defeated Real Madrid in the final — one of only six H2H victories they have claimed against the capital club (Sports Mole domestic record).

Why this matters

Villarreal’s Europa League triumph proved they can beat Europe’s giants on any given day — a fact that contextualises their six wins over Real Madrid not as statistical noise, but as evidence of genuine competitive capability.

What is Villarreal vs Real Madrid prediction?

Statistical models and betting markets lean heavily toward Real Madrid for any upcoming fixture. Forebet’s algorithm predicts a 3-1 Real Madrid win for the January 2026 meeting, while betting odds available through BettingExpert list Real Madrid at 2.01-2.05 compared to Villarreal at 3.31 (BettingExpert betting market). These numbers reflect the historical H2H record and current form.

Form analysis

Real Madrid’s La Liga record this season stands at approximately 21 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses — translating to roughly 2.14 goals scored per game and only 0.86 conceded. Villarreal have managed approximately 17 wins in their 25+ matches with 1.82 goals scored and 1.18 conceded per game (SoccerPunter season statistics). The gap in defensive solidity and goal output favours the visitors decisively.

Villarreal’s home record shows 11 wins from 14 La Liga home games this season, with a 40% win ratio in their recent form. They have proven dangerous at Estadio de la Cerámica, but their recent H2H struggles suggest the Bernabéu hoodoo may extend to the away ground as well.

Key players

Mbappé has emerged as the central figure in recent meetings, scoring twice in the January 2026 encounter. With a 90% scoring rate in matches this season and Real Madrid finding the net in 90% of their games (BettingExpert player metrics), the French forward represents the primary threat. For Villarreal, Alberto Moleiro has led their attacking line with 8 goals this season, and his creativity could trouble a Real Madrid defence that has shown occasional vulnerability on the counter.

Bottom line: Real Madrid are clear favourites based on the aggregate record and current form. Villarreal: back them only at home with strong defensive motivation. Real Madrid backers: the 2.01 odds offer value given Mbappé’s current trajectory and the 32-6 H2H history.

What are Villarreal vs Real Madrid stats?

The head-to-head statistics reveal a lopsided rivalry that nonetheless produces occasional thrillers. Real Madrid have won 32 of 55 total meetings, with Villarreal managing just six victories across all competitions since records began. The 17 draws in this fixture suggest periods of genuine competitiveness, often when Villarreal have managed to neutralise Real Madrid’s attacking weapons.

Head-to-head stats

La Liga-specific data shows Real Madrid with 29 wins from 52 meetings, while Villarreal have six La Liga victories against their historic rivals. The goal difference across all meetings stands at roughly +29 in Real Madrid’s favour, with the capital side averaging more than 1.3 goals per match compared to Villarreal’s sub-1.0 average in this fixture.

In recent meetings since 2023, Real Madrid have won five of six encounters, with only one Villarreal victory in that span. The matches tend to produce goals: FootyStats data suggests a 65% probability of over 2.5 goals with an average of 3.05 goals per match (FootyStats goal statistics). The implication: even when Villarreal struggle in the overall record, the fixture typically delivers offensive entertainment.

Player performances

Beyond Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 13 goals, the fixture has featured contributions from numerous stars. Mbappé has quickly established himself as a threat in recent meetings with his pace and finishing ability. The forward’s brace in January 2026 demonstrated his capacity to decide high-profile encounters, and his movement caused constant problems for Villarreal’s defensive line.

In midfield battles, Villarreal have occasionally matched Real Madrid’s technical quality, but the capital side’s squad depth typically tells over 90 minutes. Their points per game in this fixture (2.0) compared to Villarreal’s (1.2) since 2003 underlines the systematic advantage Real Madrid maintain (AiScore historical metrics).

Villarreal vs Real Madrid: Key comparison

The following comparison highlights how the two clubs stack up across multiple metrics.

Metric Real Madrid Villarreal
H2H wins (all competitions) 32 6
Goals scored (H2H) 73+ 44+
La Liga wins (52 matches) 29 6
Points per game (H2H since 2003) 2.0 1.2
Goals per La Liga game (2025-26) 2.14 1.82
Goals conceded per La Liga game 0.86 1.18
Home wins (14 La Liga games) 9 11
Scoring rate this season 90%
The catch

Villarreal are formidable at Estadio de la Cerámica with 11 wins from 14 home games, but their H2H record away to Real Madrid reveals a different story — only one win since 2023 in six meetings at the Bernabéu.

Timeline

  • : Real Madrid 4-1 Villarreal (Sports Mole match record)
  • : Villarreal 2-1 Real Madrid
  • : Villarreal 2-3 Real Madrid (Copa del Rey)
  • : Real Madrid 2-3 Villarreal
  • : Villarreal 4-4 Real Madrid
  • : Real Madrid 2-0 Villarreal
  • : Villarreal 1-2 Real Madrid
  • : Villarreal 0-2 Real Madrid

Confirmed vs unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Real Madrid 32 wins from 55 H2H meetings
  • Villarreal 6 wins, 17 draws historically
  • January 2026 result: 2-0 Real Madrid
  • Mbappé scored both goals
  • Cristiano Ronaldo holds fixture record with 13 goals
  • Real Madrid won last three Bernabéu meetings
  • Most recent H2H xG: Real Madrid 1.63 vs Villarreal 0.58

What’s unclear

  • Exact squad selection for upcoming 2026 fixture
  • Detailed injury reports for key players
  • Villarreal’s precise European qualification position
  • Whether the 4-4 May 2024 game was an anomaly or sign of tactical shift

What they’re saying

Kylian Mbappé got on the scoresheet once again for Real Madrid as they defeated Villarreal 2-0 to go top of LaLiga.

FotMob match report

With Real Madrid showcasing strong form, our model predicts them to emerge victorious with a 3-1 win over Villarreal.

Forebet prediction model

Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time leading goalscorer in this fixture, having netted 13 times against Villarreal.

— Sports Mole analysis

Summary

The Villarreal versus Real Madrid rivalry defies its one-sided statistics. Real Madrid’s 32 wins from 55 meetings would suggest routine domination, yet the fixture has produced two Copa del Rey finals, a 4-4 thriller, and sporadic Villarreal upsets that keep fans invested. The January 2026 result — Mbappé’s brace in a 2-0 victory — confirmed the current dynamic: Real Madrid’s attacking quality eventually tells, even when Villarreal produce moments of resistance. The next meeting will test whether Villarreal can reverse their recent Bernabéu fortunes or whether the capital side’s streak will extend to four consecutive home wins.

Related reading: Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid

Additional sources

fscore.net, flashscoreusa.com

Real Madrid’s commanding 32-6 edge across 55 meetings, as explored in the Real Madrid vs Villarreal preview, set the stage for Mbappé’s decisive brace.

Frequently asked questions

When is the next Villarreal vs Real Madrid match?

The next scheduled La Liga meeting falls during the 2026 season. Check LiveScore, Sofascore, or BBC Sport for confirmed dates and kick-off times as the season calendar develops.

Where can I watch Villarreal vs Real Madrid highlights?

Highlights are typically available on each club’s official YouTube channel, La Liga’s official platforms, and major sports aggregators like Sofascore and Flashscore shortly after full-time.

What is the current league position of Villarreal and Real Madrid?

Real Madrid sat top of La Liga following their January 2026 victory. Villarreal’s exact position fluctuates but they typically target European qualification spots each season. Consult the latest La Liga table on BBC Sport or Sofascore for current standings.

Who scored in the recent Villarreal vs Real Madrid game?

Kylian Mbappé scored both goals for Real Madrid in the 2-0 victory on 24 January 2026 at Estadio de la Cerámica (FotMob match data). No goals were recorded for Villarreal in that match.

What is Villarreal vs Real Madrid attendance record?

Estadio de la Cerámica holds approximately 23,000 spectators. High-profile meetings against Real Madrid typically sell out, with attendances regularly exceeding 20,000. The Bernabéu meetings pull significantly larger crowds given Real Madrid’s 81,000-seat capacity.

Who is Villarreal’s biggest rival?

Villarreal’s primary regional rivalry is with Valencia CF in the El Madrileño derby. The club’s geographical proximity to Madrid also creates natural rivalries with Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, though these lack the intensity of the Valencia fixture.

What trophies have Villarreal won?

Villarreal’s most significant trophy is the 2020-21 UEFA Europa League, won by defeating Manchester United in the final. They have also won the Copa del Rey twice, most recently in 2023 against Real Madrid.

How many times has Cristiano Ronaldo scored against Villarreal?

Cristiano Ronaldo scored 13 goals against Villarreal during his Real Madrid career, making him the all-time leading goalscorer in this fixture (Sports Mole historical record). His physical style and aerial ability made him particularly effective against Villarreal’s defensive setups.