Real Madrid vs. Villarreal, May 23
Real Madrid will have a full week of rest before the final La Liga contest of the grueling 2020-2021 season. Interestingly, Los Blancos clinched the title last summer against Villarreal. Perhaps the same could happen this May, provided they do not slip up at San Mames (or in any other match) or get some more good fortune in the case of more dropped points.
Villarreal and Real Madrid could meet each other as finalists in their respective European competitions. The Yellow Submarine hold a 2-1 advantage over a poor Arsenal side in the Europa League semifinals, with Unai Emery eager to get revenge on his incompetent former employers. Meanwhile, Los Merengues are tied with a far more dangerous London side in Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League semifinals.
Although Villarreal are a good team and could very well qualify for the Europa League once more, pending their current battle with Los Verdiblancos, I think Real Madrid will take care of them at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.
Both sides played out a 1-1 draw earlier this season, but that was with Mariano Diaz starting for an injured Karim Benzema. Mariano scored an early goal, but Real did not create anything thereafter and could have easily lost this game.
But Real should be able to respond well in the final game of the season with a win.
Prediction: Real Madrid 3, Villarreal 2