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Celta Vigo v Real Madrid: Ancelotti´s men hunting down Barca
24 April 2015
As La Liga's title race enters its final six matches of the season, Real Madrid head to Celta Vigo knowing they can ill-afford another slip-up at Balaidos.
In the penultimate game of the 2013-14 campaign, Real lost 2-0 at Celta, a result which ended their hopes of reclaiming the league trophy.
This season, Carlo Ancelotti's men are well in the hunt again, although they lie two points behind fierce rivals Barcelona, who kick-off at Espanyol more than 24 hours before Real get under way.
As a result, Real could begin the game five points adrift of the leaders or, should Barca fail to take all three points in the Catalan derby, Ancelotti's side will be able to replace them at the summit with victory over Celta.
Ancelotti is without the trio of Karim Benzema, Luka Modric (both knee) and Gareth Bale (calf), which means Javier Hernandez could be given another start after his late winner in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid in midweek.
Real were paired with Serie A leaders Juventus in Friday's draw for the last four, but before the first leg in Turin on May 5 they have three crucial league encounters against Celta, Almeria and Sevilla.
Ninth-placed Celta, meanwhile, still have their sights set on a UEFA Europa League place, hopes which have been boosted by back-to-back wins.
Santi Mina was the star two weeks ago, scoring four in a 6-1 drubbing of Rayo Vallecano, before Nolito's penalty sealed a 1-0 success at Eibar last time out.
Right-back Jonny Castro has featured in all but two of Celta's league outings this season, and says Real's trio of absentees barely weaken one of the strongest squads in world football.
"We know they'll be coming here with some people missing but they still have a great bench," he said. "You always want to play against the best but whoever comes in will perform equally as well, if not better.
"All their players are of a very high standard and they'll be giving their all because they are playing for the title, but we can compete against the big sides.
"We are aware we'll need to run twice as much as usual yet this is a team that is growing and moving forward.
"The dream of reaching Europe is still alive and hopefully we'll play well to please our fans. There are six games left and we'll compete to the death in every one of them.
"Balaidos is a fortress and we are playing really well there, so we know we need to pick up most of our points at home."
La Liga Preview: Casilla relishing Catalan derby, Real face Celta
23 April 2015
Kiko Casilla is not daunted by the prospect of facing Barcelona's world-class forward line on Saturday in a Catalan derby that the Espanyol goalkeeper says is "different from any other".
Barca have won their last six games against their city rivals - conceding just once in the process - and have not suffered a derby defeat in the last 11 meetings between the two sides.
Sergio Garcia gave Sergio Gonzalez's side a shock lead at Camp Nou back in November with Espanyol's first goal against La Liga's leaders for almost three years, but Barca responded in ruthless fashion.
Lionel Messi equalised on the stroke of half-time and went on to score a hat-trick as Luis Enrique's men coasted to a 5-1 victory to heap more misery on their neighbours.
Barca head into Saturday's encounter on the back of beating Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 on Tuesday - and 5-1 on aggregate - to reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the seventh time in eight years and they hold a two-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
Casilla can expect to be kept busy if Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar feature, as the trio have 95 goals between them in all competitions.
The Espanyol keeper is relishing the challenge of facing a star-studded Barca outfit, though, as his side attempt to extend their six-match unbeaten run.
He said: "it is a derby match different from any other.
"To confront Messi, Suarez, [Andres] Iniesta, Xavi, Neymar motivates you more. I'm not afraid of any, but respect them all."
Real also reached the Champions League semi-finals this week courtesy of Javier Hernandez's late goal against city rivals Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Carlo Ancelotti is once again set to be without Luka Modric, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale at Celta Vigo on Sunday, but Marcelo is available to return from suspension.
Third-placed Atleti will be expected to respond to their European exit by beating Elche at home on Saturday.
Diego Simeone expressed his pride following the Spanish champions' defeat at Santiago Bernabeu and has urged them to go on and secure third place.
Valencia will attempt to respond to their 2-0 defeat to Barca by increasing second-bottom Grenada's plight, while bottom side Cordoba are running out of time as they go in search of their first win in 14 matches at home to Athletic Bilbao on Friday.
There is plenty riding on Saturday's clash between fellow strugglers Almeria and Eibar, while Deportivo La Coruna will be striving to climb out of the relegation zone when they make the trip to Malaga on Sunday.
Getafe entertain lowly Levante on Saturday, while Real Sociedad host Villarreal and Sevilla take on Rayo Vallecano in the other game to be played on Sunday.
Cordoba 0 Athletic Bilbao 1: Benat sinks strugglers
24 April 2015
Cordoba's hopes of avoiding relegation were dealt a further blow as a deflected strike from Benat was enough for Athletic Bilbao to win 1-0 in La Liga on Friday.
Jose Antonio Romero Morilla's rock-bottom Cordoba side were searching for a first win since January to boost their flagging hopes of safety.
Cordoba held for their own in a goalless first half at Estadio Nuevo Arcangel and saw Bebe's cross-shot rebound off the crossbar.
But Athletic took the lead in the 56th minute when Benat's curling shot from the edge of the penalty area came off Deivid and appeared to deceive goalkeeper Juan Carlos.
And that proved enough for Ernesto Valverde's side to record back-to-back league wins.
Sevilla defender Nicolas Pareja is facing up to seven months on the sidelines after tearing the anterior cruciate ligaments in his right knee during the UEFA Europa League clash at Zenit.
The Argentine centre-back was withdrawn in the first half of Thursday's 2-2 draw against the Russian Premier League leaders, which saw the Spanish side progress 4-3 on aggregate, after landing awkwardly.
Sevilla revealed on Friday that the 31-year-old requires surgery and is not expected to return until late this year.
Pareja's absence is a blow for Unai Emery's side as they battle to secure a Champions League place and win the Europa League for a second successive year.
Meanwhile, Vitolo is also set to miss Sunday's trip to Rayo Vallecano due to a hamstring twinge and could sit out the midweek encounter with Eibar, but the winger is expected to return against Real Madrid a week on Saturday.
Sevilla will face Fiorentina in the semi-finals of the Europa League.
The New York City star feels the Catalans have the quality to go all the way in three competitions and does not think they have changed their style of play
Former Barcelona attacker David Villa believes the Catalans have what it takes to win the treble again this campaign.
Luis Enrique's men currently sit top of La Liga, qualified for the last four of the Champions League this week and have a Copa del Rey final to look forward to,
Barca last won the treble under Pep Guardiola in 2008-09 and Villa thinks a similar performance could be on the cards this season.
"Barcelona are capable of winning the treble," the ex-Spain international, who now plays for New York City FC, told Marca. "They're leading in Spain, they're through to the Champions League semi-finals and are in the cup final.
"They have a great chance of doing so, but there's a long way to go yet. I hope they enjoy great success; it would make me really happy."
The 33-year-old then went on to laugh off criticism that Barcelona are less attractive to watch than in the past, stressing that winning is all that matters.
"The only way to do things is winning. Barca are winning and achieving things, even if they have changed their style, but for me they haven't.
"They play well, score goals, and concede very few. I'm sure that the fans are more than happy with them."
Friday April 24 2015
Atleti planning Griezmann extension
By Football Espana staff
Atletico Madrid have decided to offer striker Antoine Griezmann an improved contract, according to Cadena SER.
Griezmann joined Atleti from Real Sociedad last summer for €30m – the release clause in his contract at Anoeta - and signed a six-year deal until June 2020.
However, Griezmann has had a host of Europe’s top clubs casting glances his way after an outstanding season, in which the 24-year-old has scored 23 goals in all competitions.
As a result, Atleti now want to offer him an increased salary whilst at the same time raising his buyout clause to €70m in order to fend off any interested clubs, one of whom is rumoured to be Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
This would bring Griezmann’s earnings into line with some of the highest-paid members of Diego Simeone’s squad.
Friday April 24 2015
Malaga may miss out on Amrabat
By Football Espana staff
Malaga may be set to miss out on signing striker Nordin Amrabat from Galatasaray on a permanent deal due to lack of finance.
The Moroccan international has been on loan at La Rosaleda since the start of this season, with Los Blanquiazules retaining the option to buy him for €3.5m by April 30.
However, Malaga chief executive Vicente Casado has revealed that there is no money available to complete the transaction and the club is looking for outside funding to help keep the 28-year-old on the Costa del Sol.
“It’s an awful lot of money for Malaga and we don’t have €3.5m, so we are looking at outside investment as a way of signing him, which is what we need to do,” Casado told Radio Marca’s ‘Directo Marca’ programme.
“We are fighting to keep what we have but without investment from outside the club it’s very hard.
“Before [owner Sheikh Abdullah] Al-Thani there were very few signings of €1m. Initially he put in €100m but stopping abruptly has been difficult and we are still in the process of restructuring following that era, and also paying the debts from then.”
Casado went on to praise Malaga boss Javi Gracia for guiding the club into seventh place this season on what is a limited budget.
“We are very happy with the Coach. The aim was always to consolidate but we have exceeded expectations. Now we want to end the season well.
“Finishing well means being in Europe, that’s clear, as we’ve fulfilled our main objectives and anything else would be nice,” he maintained.
Levante significantly boosted their La Liga survival chances on Sunday, while Villarreal drew yet again.
Victor Casadesus' 35th-minute goal was enough to hand Levante a 1-0 victory at Getafe, taking Lucas Alcaraz's men four points clear of the bottom three.
It was Casadesus' third goal in five outings, bringing his season tally to eight - and it sealed Levante's third road win of the season, and second in April alone.
Villarreal had no such luck at Real Sociedad, playing out a 0-0 stalemate.
It was Villarreal's fifth league draw in their past eight fixtures, although Marcelino's men remain well on track for a UEFA Europa League spot.
Villarreal sit in sixth, seven points clear of Malaga, who have a game in hand.
La Liga Preview: Real continue Barca pursuit against Almeria
27 April 2015
With home fixtures against bottom-half clubs in midweek, Barcelona and Real Madrid are expected to keep winning and prolong their thrilling La Liga title stoush.
Leaders Barcelona host 13th-placed Getafe, while Real welcome 16th side Almeria to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Should results go to script, Barca will retain their two-point lead heading into the final four games, with Carlo Ancelotti's side hoping the visitors to Camp Nou can cause an upset.
A slip up from Barca against Pablo Franco Martin's men at home would not be without precedent, as Getafe struck late to earn a 2-2 draw in Catalonia in May 2014 - a result which dented Barcelona's title hopes.
Real, however, have a domineering record when up against Almeria.
The capital club have scored 21 goals in their past four fixtures with the Andalusians, who have scored just twice in the same span.
Outscoring Almeria alone in that run were Cristiano Ronaldo (five goals), Gareth Bale, Isco and Karim Benzema (all three).
Set to start again for Real, though, is the in-form Javier Hernandez, who has four goals in his past four matches in all competitions.
"If we win all matches, then Barcelona will have to do it also. That's our target," Ancelotti said following Real's 4-2 win at Celta Vigo on Sunday.
Atletico Madrid's title defence is all but over given their nine-point deficit to Barca with five games to play, but they can move closer to securing UEFA Champions League action when they travel to fellow European aspirants Villarreal.
The latter occupy the final UEFA Europa League spot on 53 points, comfortably clear of seventh-placed Malaga (47) - who could yet receive help from rivals in eighth, Athletic Bilbao (46).
A Bilbao loss in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on May 30 would render the seventh spot in the league as another European ticket.
Fourth-placed Sevilla (66) are away at Eibar, looking to hold onto the Champions League qualifying place - with Valencia (65) lurking in fifth.
Valencia host Granada on Monday, before backing up on the road at Rayo Vallecano on Thursday.
Granada also play twice in the week, hosting Espanyol the same day.
Other midweek fixtures see Levante host bottom-placed Cordoba, with the latter on the brink of being dumped into the Segunda Division, Celta Vigo welcome Malaga, and Elche and Deportivo La Coruna play a relegation six-pointer.
Barcelona and Levante recorded La Liga wins on Tuesday, while Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad shared the spoils.
The main action took place at Camp Nou as Barcelona fired an ominous title warning to Real Madrid with a 6-0 thrashing of Getafe.
Getafe drew 2-2 with Barca last season and played out a goalless stalemate against the Catalan giants in December, but there was to be no repeat on this occasion as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both netted doubles.
Liga leaders Barcelona - who are now five points ahead of the second-placed Real Madrid, albeit having played one game extra - took an early lead through Messi's chipped penalty and Suarez's superb 25th-minute volley made it 2-0.
Neymar then got in on the act, bringing up the century of goals this season for Barca's much-vaunted front three. Further goals from Xavi, Suarez and Messi followed, the latter taking his league tally to 38 for the season, as Luis Enrique's men cruised to victory.
Real Madrid's game in hand is against Almeria on Wednesday.
David Barral scored the game's only goal as Levante defeated doomed Cordoba 1-0. The win, Levante's third of the month, saw them climb to 14th, with rock-bottom Cordoba 11 points adrift of safety with four matches to play.
And Alberto de la Bella ensured 10-man Real Sociedad left Bilbao with a point after an entertaining 1-1 draw.
Aritz Aduriz gave Bilbao a 52nd-minute lead from the penalty spot after Mikel Gonzalez was given a straight red card. But defender De La Bella levelled on the hour mark for a Sociedad side who have not won in six.
Luis Enrique has rejected the notion that Barcelona have a more favourable run-in than Liga title rivals Real Madrid.
Barca are in superb form and a nine-match unbeaten league run has left them two points clear of arch-rivals Real with only five matches remaining.
Four of Barca's remaining games are against teams in the bottom half of the table, while Real still have tricky tests against UEFA Champions League hopefuls Sevilla and Valencia to come.
But Barca coach Luis Enrique is keen not to allow complacency to creep in and is purely concentrating on Tuesday's contest against Getafe at Camp Nou.
"The calendar could be this, it could be that, there's very little difference between [Barca and Real's run-in]," he said.
"We have to do our thing, which is Tuesday's match. Throughout a season there are many surprises. It would be a mistake to think about this game or that game in the future. We are focused on [Getafe]."
As well as challenging for the league title, Barca are in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League and final of the Copa del Rey after failing to win a major trophy last season.
"If you ask me I don't think there are any minimum requirements for what is a successful season," Luis Enrique added. "We are going for everything.
"In order to do that we have to keep going with our season, win our last five [league games] and play the semi-finals [of the Champions League]. The titles will determine what we have achieved at the end of the season."
Barca have been boosted by the return to fitness of Thomas Vermaelen from a long-term hamstring injury, and the centre-back could make his competitive debut for the club on Tuesday.
"He's [Vermaelen] a player just like everybody else in the team," Luis Enrique said. "He needs to train, he needs to get the rhythm. He's not above or below any other player in the team."
Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic said his team-mates will be doing all they can to claim the 2014-15 treble.
Luis Enrique's Barcelona top the La Liga standings by two points with five matches remaining, while the club are set to contest the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao on May 30.
Barca are also in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, where they will face Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich over two legs for a spot in the tournament decider.
"We're doing well, we're on the right path and we're going to fight right up until the last day to win as many trophies as possible," the Croatia international said.
Winning the treble may be the perfect farewell for Spanish veteran Xavi, who is tipped to leave the Catalan giants at the end of the season.
Xavi has been linked with a lucrative move to Qatar, while MLS is a possible destination, however Rakitic wants the 35-year-old club icon to stay put.
"I really appreciate everything about Xavi," Rakitic added.
"He's an important figure on and off the pitch and we would love him to continue here with us."
Barca can maintain their lead atop the league standings with victory at home to Getafe on Tuesday.
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone remains unfazed by criticism of his side's display in last week's narrow UEFA Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.
Following a goalless draw in the first leg, Atletico were beaten by a late Javier Hernandez strike at the Santiago Bernabeu and Simeone's approach to the game was called into question.
Despite suggestions of an overly defensive display, Simeone brushed off the negative comments, saying it was par for the course following Atletico's recent success.
"We were three minutes away from not losing. We lost 1-0," he said. "There are many things to focus on. We conceded with one player less, Tiago was unable to play when they scored. I understand the criticisms. Football is great but we all feel we are right and everything is up for debate, we are all coaches.
"But it’s the ones who are on the pitch who have to make decisions. This is all a reaction from one negative result.
"Criticism doesn't bother me, in fact I see it as something totally normal. After three successful years it’s understood that you want to be the best.
"When you get pressure to improve it’s because it’s felt that there is room to improve."
Simeone, who agreed a new contract last month, takes charge of his 200th game at Villarreal on Wednesday.
Discussing his side's evolution from La Liga also-rans to reigning champions, Simeone added: "We've taken things bit by bit.
"We took our time in being able to beat [Real] Madrid, after 14 years of being incapable of doing so.
We've started to forge a competitive team. I always dream of improving never settling for less than we have.
"The main difference [to last season] is that we have 10 new players that have had to adapt but they have helped us be competitive."
Espanyol reported for alleged abuse in Barcelona game
28 April 2015
La Liga's governing body has called for Espanyol fans to be punished for alleged homophobic and racist abuse during last Saturday's 2-0 loss to city rivals Barcelona.
The National Professional Football League (LFP) sent officials to monitor crowd behaviour at the fixture, from which away fans have been banned due to trouble at previous games, at Cornella-El Prat.
And it has now issued a complaint to the Spanish government's anti-violence commission.
According to the LFP, home fans directed monkey noises towards Barca's Neymar and Dani Alves, chanted a homophobic song in the direction of Gerard Pique and insulted Jordi Alba after he was sent off early in the second half.
An LFP statement read: "The offending insults are described below, they were chanted exclusively by supporters of Real Club Deportivo Espanyol, SAD, recognisable by their different flags, scarves, shirts and banners, located in sectors 108, 109, 110 and 111 in the Gol Nord part of the stadium, specifically by the group known as 'LA CURVA RCDE'.
"The chants and insults were shouted in a co-ordinated and repeated manner, by groups of between 300 and 600 supporters, situated on both sides of the central area of the stand behind the goal, and, owing to a protest organised by the aforementioned supporters group 'La Curva' during the first half, the fans in sections in 109 and 110 fought each other at this moment, close to the zones 108, 111 and the other surrounding free areas, from where they shouted the aforementioned shouts, leaving sectors 109 and 100 practically empty during the first half."
Suarez: Barcelona in fine form for Bayern Munich clash
By Peter McVitie
Apr 28, 2015 23:13:00
The Uruguay striker was elated with his side's performance and feels their current 15-game unbeaten run puts them in a good position heading into the meeting with the Bavarians
Luis Suarez has urged Barcelona to maintain their run of strong performances heading into their Champions League semi-final with Bayern Munich.
Barca beat Getafe 6-0 on Tuesday, with Suarez and Lionel Messi scoring two goals each, while Neymar and Xavi also found the net, to stretch their unbeaten run to 15 games - 14 of which have been victories.
And the Uruguayan was delighted with his side's display and feels they must match this level when heading into next week's game at Camp Nou against Pep Guardiola's men.
"We hope we've kept something for the Champions League games. But the important thing is that the team continues this good run," he told reporters.
“It was a good game in the first 45 minutes, we got the three points and that is the most vital thing.
"There is a lot of commitment from the team, the fans, and all of us are required to win the important things and face up to the biggest challenges.
"We’re aware that all of our opponents are going to come looking for the three points. We could have suffered the pressure that Getafe put on us in the reverse match but we showed great desire.”
The three forwards have now beaten the tally amassed by Messi, Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o during the 2008-09 season
Barcelona's strikeforce of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar have surpassed the 100-goal mark after the trio all found the net in the opening 30 minutes of the La Liga encounter against Getafe.
Messi opened the scoring on nine minutes before Neymar added a second 19 minutes later, with Suarez helping himself to two goals before half-time as Barca raced into a 4-0 lead.
That tally means the three forwards have now broken the 99 goals scored by Messi, Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o during Pep Guardiola's first season in charge of the club during the 2008-09 season.
Last season, Real Madrid's frontline of Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema scored 97 goals in 143 games in all competitions, with that number now also surpassed by Barcelona's brilliant threesome.
The same three Madrid players could yet catch up with the new mark set by the Blaugrana forwards, having found the back of the net 89 times this term between them, but would require a prolific end to the campaign to do so.
Chicharito's Real Madrid future will be decided at the end of the season - Ancelotti
Apr 28, 2015 12:22:42
The on-loan Manchester United striker has impressed the Italian with his professionalism after restricted opportunities at the Santiago Bernabeu
Carlo Ancelotti will not fast-track a decision on the future of Javier Hernandez at Real Madrid despite his impressive recent form.
Chicharito has grasped his recent opportunity, created by an injury to Karim Benzema, with both hands – netting a late winner as Madrid edged out Atletico 1-0 in the Champions League quarter-finals before scoring twice in Sunday's 4-2 success at Celta Vigo.
The Mexican, on a season-long loan from Manchester United, has spoken of his delight at playing for the European champions but Ancelotti is willing to wait until the summer before deciding whether to try to keep him at the Santiago Bernabeu.
He said at Tuesday’s press conference: "The future of Chicharito will be evaluated at the end of the season.
"I have liked all year his professionalism and, when he got the chance, he has exploited it. For a coach to have players that are always ready is a positive.
“Everyone is very happy with Chicharito. I hope it stays that way.”
Madrid go into the round 34 fixture at home to Almeria on Wednesday two points behind table-toppers Barcelona and Ancelotti concedes his men will have to win all their remaining games to stand any realistic chance of winning La Liga.
"It's a point in the season where every game is life and death," he added. "We are preparing with this thought. It will, therefore, be a very exciting period.
"A draw against Almeria will not mean goodbye but it will complicate life. In the Liga we have to win all the games that are left.
"We have a tough schedule, the games are difficult but we are confident that we can do well. Apart from the injured players, the team is fresh. We can compete in every game, we're not thinking about what Barcelona do.
"Almeria have changed their style a bit, they play with more possession, faster. All the teams fighting against relegation will play with enthusiasm and desire and we have to take that into account."
In addition to Chicharito, Ancelotti also took time to praise James Rodriguez , another summer arrival who has impressed.
"James has been able to surprise people, he has had a very good season," he said. "I am delighted, because he has helped the team a lot, with great humility.
"Much depends on the character of the person. They need to adapt very quickly but some need more time, especially young people. They need to get used to the pressure that comes with playing for this team."
Ancelotti has included teenage prodigy Martin Odegaard in the squad for Wednesday's game and hinted there will also be a place in the starting XI for winger Jese.
He confirmed Keylor Navas will start in goal but Gareth Bale and Benzema continue to be sidelined through injury.
"We believe Bale could be able to play against Sevilla [on Saturday]. On Tuesday and Wednesday he will continue to do individual work. If that goes well he will play in Seville. Karim will start training with the team on Sunday."
Odegaard named in Real Madrid squad for Almeria clash
Apr 28, 2015 11:35:00
The Norwegian wonderkid is in line to make his official debut for the reigning European champions in Wednesday's Liga match in the Spanish capital
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Martin Odegaard has been included in the squad for Wednesday's La Liga encounter with Almeria at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 16-year-old midfielder joined Madrid from Stromsgodset in the January transfer window, but has so far been playing for Madrid Castilla as he adapts to life in the Spanish capital.
Odegaard could now make his debut for the senior side, though, as he is one of three Castilla players to have been named in the roster for the league match versus Almeria.
"Odegaard, Mayoral and [Diego] Llorente are in the squad for the match against Almeria and could play," Ancelotti said at a press conference. "Two of those three players will make the bench.
"We have a tough schedule and we have some difficult games coming up. We are confident we can cope with it, though, because apart from those who are injured, everybody is fresh and feeling well.
"We need the entire team."
Odegaard has made eight appearances for Madrid Castilla so far this season, scoring once in the process.
Sergio Asenjo is facing another spell in the treatment room after the Villarreal goalkeeper ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against Atletico Madrid.
Asenjo suffered the injury when he jumped to claim a late corner in Villarreal's 1-0 La Liga loss to the champions on Wednesday.
"After examinations and tests this morning after last night's game against Atletico Madrid, Villarreal medical services report that Sergio Asenjo has suffered rupture of the plasty of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, combined with some injuries more mild, so it will require surgery," a club statement read.
"Villarreal CF wants to provide its full support to the player, giving much encouragement and wish him a speedy and successful recovery."
It is the third such injury that the former Atleti goalkeeper has sustained and the second major blow Villarreal have suffered this month, with Mateo Musacchio having broken his leg and dislocated his ankle against Getafe on April 12.
Carlo Ancelotti has vowed to do everything in his power to guide Real Madrid to the Liga title, but he is not convinced that Barcelona will relinquish their lead at the summit.
Luis Enrique's Barca lead the title race by two points after Real's 3-0 defeat of Almeria on Wednesday, but the pacesetters have a slightly easier run-in.
Up next in La Liga for Real is a trip to Sevilla, who have not lost at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in the league since February 2014, and that is swiftly followed by a meeting at home to another of the UEFA Champions League hopefuls, Valencia.
Barca's only genuine test sees them head to Atletico Madrid on the final day of the season and, while Ancelotti is adamant Real can take maximum points from their remaining games, he is not so sure that Luis Enrique's side will slip up.
"We are not sure that Barcelona will lose points, but we are confident we can win the rest of our games," Ancelotti said.
"We are now in that very important part of the season where every game is crucial.
"I'll put out the best possible team to beat Sevilla [on Saturday], despite the fact we play Juventus [the following Tuesday] because that game does not matter."
