Villarreal vs. Real Madrid: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Real Madrid will continue their all but inevitable march to a La Liga title at the Estadio El Madrigal against Villarreal on Wednesday. The Yellow Submarine are in clear and present danger of relegation following a 1-0 defeat to Levante on Sunday, in the wake of which they sacked manager Jose Francisco Molina.

Los Blancos, on the other hand, sport a seven-point cushion ahead of arch rival Barcelona atop the league table, one that's likely to expand after Sunday's meeting with Malaga.

Madrid did away with Villarreal back in October, 3-0, behind goals by Karim Benzema, Kaka and Angel Di Maria.

Where: Estadio El Madrigal, Vila-real, Spain

When: Wednesday, March 21st at 5:00 p.m. EDT

Watch: Gol TV, ESPN Atlantic, ESPN Pacific Rim, ESPN Australia, Sky Sports 3/HD, SuperSport 6 Africa, Sport TV1, Canal+ Sport 1, Sport+, Sport 1 Hungary, Sky Sport 3 Italia, Sky Calcio 1, Canal+ Fotball, Canal+ Gol Polska

Most Important Player To Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo

If it weren't for Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo would be (perhaps far and away) the best football player on the planet. The Portuguese prince has scored at least one goal in each of his last seven appearances across all competitions, including two apiece against Betis and CSKA Moscow earlier this month.

Villarreal should be particularly wary of Cristiano's presence on the pitch, seeing as how he's put through seven goals in nine career matches against them.

Key Matchup: Los Blancos' Attack vs. Villarreal's Back Line

In all likelihood, there's not much Villarreal can do to slow down Madrid's world-class attack, save for knocking Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria and Mesut Ozil out with dirty tackles.

Then again, the Yellow Submarine wouldn't be any better off playing six-on-11 as they would with a full squad against Jose Mourinho's maestros.

Realistically, the only difference Villarreal's defense can make is that between a narrow defeat and an embarrassing one. 

What They're Saying

As mentioned earlier, Villarreal wasted little time making a change after Sunday's loss to Levante, sacking manager Jose Francisco Molina after less than a year on the job. The club's official website had this to say about the change:

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Villarreal have decided to terminate the contract of Jose Molina as first-team coach after the defeat against Levante.

The club appreciates the job Molina did and wishes him luck in his professional career. His successor in the role has yet to be determined.

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As for Real Madrid, they don't appear so eager to rid themselves of Jose Mourinho now that he has the club in position for a double this season. Although, "The Special One" has had no qualms about his desire to coach against Chelsea, his former side, at some point down the line in the UEFA Champions League. Said Mourinho to Sky Sports:

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"People can't understand how much I love Inter and Chelsea and how much I love the boys and how much I wish them well.

"I know, if I get them in the quarters, or semis, or final, they will be a great opponent. I am so happy for the boys [Chelsea players], because they have incredible character. They have had a hard time, but now happiness is coming."

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Prediction: Real Madrid 3, Villarreal 1

Villarreal will score a goal for their new manager, whoever it happens to be, but will still fall far short against the giants of Madrid.

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