Real Madrid: 3 Keys to victory against Villarreal on LaLiga’s Matchday 38

3. Thibaut Courtois needs to be at his very best

Thibaut Courtois has been in fine form. The Belgian has been a key player throughout the season for Real Madrid and if they do manage to defend their league crown, Thibaut would be the man for them to thank.

Speaking from what was seen from Villarreal in their last match against Sevilla, Carlos Bacca was hitting the target for fun. The hattrick hero from the last time out would be the one for Real Madrid to try and contain.

However, Real Madrid’s defense is under a lot of questions. Only Eder Militao and Nacho Fernandez are hundred percent fit and available for the match, and Alvaro Odriozola is getting off a muscular overrun from his game against Sevilla.

Per COPE’s Melchor Ruiz, Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane should be back for the last matchday of the league. As such, including them in the starting line-up may again mean disrupting the system. Real Madrid have been sloppy in defense, last time out, Athletic Club managed to make chances that they failed to take, and with the defensive woes, similar can be predicted against Villarreal.

With all that taken into account, one pillar that needs to stay firm in defense is Thibaut Courtois. He needs to keep his concentration high and deal with shots coming from potent predators in the league like Bacca or even Gerard Moreno.