Villarreal vs Real Madrid – Spanish Copa del Rey – Betting Preview
Villarreal Summary
Following their superb results since reopening the improved home stadium the Estadio Cerámica, the morale and confidence in Villarreal are extremely positive.
Quique Setién is enjoying a good spell in charge after taking his time to convince the demanding support at the club.
A little momentum was taken away by the draw in Celta Vigo last week, but the mood and focus are strong, and they will believe that can knock Real Madrid out here.
Villarreal can recall Raúl Albiol and Álex Baena who were both banned on the weekend.
Nicolás Jackson and Alfonso Pedraza are out injured along with the long-term absence of Lo Celso.
Capoue is cleared to play, and Juan Foyth is also expected to be fully available after a knock sustained on the weekend.
Real Madrid Summary
Real Madrid come into this cup game at a massive low point after being embarrassed on the world stage, losing 3-1 to Barcelona in the Spanish super cup which was played in Saudi Arabia.
The 3-1 loss was very flattering for Real Madrid whose fans are furious with the lack of effort and quality in what for them was a vital match. Failure to bounce back and progress to the next stage of the Copa del Rey would be a significant failure.
The league form has been inconsistent too, losing last week saw them drop vital ground to leaders Barcelona.
Real Madrid has the more negative team news of the two clubs.
Carlo Ancelotti was already missing Alaba, Tchouaméni, and Lucas Vasquez. And now they travel east missing attacking right-back Dani Carvajal who is also out injured. Most damaging is that the veteran Luka Modric will stay in the capital to rest his aging legs.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first, where the betting is fairly close given that the visitor travels with some important absences. The favourite is Real Madrid @ 2.35. Villarreal won this league fixture less than two weeks ago and can be bet here @ 2.85. The draw in 90 minutes is @ 3.55.
Moving onto the Asian handicap market for this contest. Villarreal is given a +0.25 start and if they play the same level as they managed in the league, this could be the smart bet @ 1.79. A draw in 90 minutes would pay as a half-win. Real Madrid -0.25 could be fatigued and travel-worn after just arriving back from a long trip to the middle east. they can be bet @ 2.05.
Looking at The Under/Over market last of all which is set at 2.75. Madrid is missing key men and isn’t inspiring right now. The league fixture was a highly entertaining and open match once the first goal went in, but key absences may lead Madrid to be more defensive here. No strong preference but a sense this may be a low scorer of a game, so Under 2.75 @ 1.98 looks like decent value. Over 2.75 is @ 1.81.
