No room for the gap to widen - Real Madrid vs Villarreal

Having finished the league in second place, trailing Barcelona - who have been making waves with their young stars over the past two seasons - and with the manager's role becoming a high-pressure position, Real Madrid began the season with a choice that could be considered risky. José Mourinho, who had failed to lead Benfica to the title in Portugal or Fenerbahçe to the title in Turkey in his last two seasons, took the helm of Los Galacticos. The Portuguese manager, believed to have been brought in to oversee operations that club president Pérez was somewhat reluctant to carry out himself, finds his side not only six points behind their arch-rivals after the first seven weeks, but also trailing Atlético Madrid and Real Betis - both of whom they lost to away from home - in the table. Although the teams against whom they dropped points are among the league's top sides, and despite having started the season with a tougher fixture list compared to Barcelona - who have won all seven of their matches - a further widening of the points gap could make the title race considerably more difficult for the sky-blue and whites. It would be incorrect to suggest that Mourinho's side are in for an easy night when they host Villarreal at home immediately after Saturday night's match against Getafe, in which Barcelona are clear favourites. Real Madrid, who are struggling with injuries - particularly in defence - also face uncertainty over Mbappé's fitness following his injury in the Nations League match against Turkey. Despite numerous absences and injuries, securing three points to at least prevent the points gap from widening would be a good start for Mourinho upon returning from the international break. You can support the white-and-purples at the Santiago Bernabéu for this kick-off.

They were disappointed by the international break

Villarreal, who finished last season in third place behind Barcelona and Real Madrid, had started the new season with just two points from five matches without a win. Having regained their rhythm with victories in their last two matches before the international break - a 3-1 win away at Málaga and a 3-1 win at home against Levante - the Submarines may well be the team most disappointed by this long international break. Although they have drawn a depleted Real Madrid side in one of the league's toughest away fixtures following the international break, Real Madrid also have absences in both attack and defence. Even without their full squads, the clash between these two teams, both hungry for points, promises an entertaining evening of football.

Real Madrid vs Villarreal tickets

Following the international break, this is the most eagerly anticipated fixture of the La Liga week and is set to provide crucial clues regarding the shape of the title race. The fact that teams such as Real Betis, Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao have not made a poor start to the season could make Villarreal's bid for a top-four finish a difficult one. With Inigo Perez's side already trailing these teams by a step after a poor start to the season, they'll be looking to close the gap on the top of the table, whilst Zidane's side aim to stay firmly in the title race. When they take to the pitch at this high-atmospheric stadium, you too can soak up the atmosphere by purchasing tickets for the Real Madrid vs Villarreal match.