Real Madrid, still reeling from their unexpected loss to Lille in the UEFA Champions League, are set to take on Villarreal in a crucial La Liga clash. Despite boasting the star-studded "Galácticos 2.0" lineup, Madrid’s performance has been inconsistent this season. Manager Carlo Ancelotti will be determined to guide his side back to winning ways after a series of disappointing results.

Coming off a highly successful 2023-24 campaign, where they clinched both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League titles, Real Madrid are currently second in the league standings. With 18 points, they trail their fierce rivals FC Barcelona by three points and sit just ahead of Villarreal. The upcoming match provides a chance for Madrid to close the gap and potentially challenge for the top spot.

Speaking about the recent defeat to Lille, Ancelotti stressed that it served as a wake-up call for the squad. “Sometimes, a good run makes you feel invincible, but that loss reminded us of our current form. The players aren’t at their best. There’s a lack of intensity in defense, and offensively, our ball circulation isn’t up to par,” said the six-time Champions League winner.

However, Ancelotti remains optimistic about the team’s morale. “The mood in the dressing room is still positive. The defeat is an opportunity for us to reflect and come back stronger,” he stated. Ancelotti also acknowledged Villarreal’s strong form and highlighted the importance of Saturday’s game in restoring Madrid’s momentum. “Villarreal are playing well, but this match is a chance for us to bounce back and get back to winning ways,” he added.

One of the major talking points ahead of the Villarreal game is the status of Kylian Mbappé. The French forward has missed the last two games due to a hamstring injury, including the Madrid derby, but came off the bench in the Lille match. Ancelotti provided an update on the 2018 World Cup winner’s condition: “He had an issue, but it’s been resolved, and he’s been training normally.”

Mbappé’s absence has also caught the attention of France’s national team coach, Didier Deschamps, who chose not to call him up for international duty. Ancelotti refrained from commenting on Deschamps’ decision but emphasized the need for Madrid to improve their overall play. “We need to get the ball to our strikers quicker, and our defensive intensity has to improve,” said Ancelotti.

As Real Madrid prepares to face Villarreal, all eyes will be on how the team responds to the Lille setback and whether Mbappé will make a significant impact on his return to the starting lineup.

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