Real Madrid's first game after the international break kicks off late tonight, and it will be against Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu .
Los Blancos have won their last three clashes against the opponent at home and will look to keep that record going, but the Yellow Submarines have been in great form themselves and will back themselves to pull off an upset.
After all, Real Madrid have been far from their best in recent games and continue to struggle against attacking sides given their relative defensive fragility.
Speaking to the club's media ahead of Real Madrid's clash on Saturday night, Alvaro Carreras heaped praise on their opponents Villarreal and addressed the threat they will bring with them.
Carreras praised Villarreal's style. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
"Villarreal are in the Champions League for a reason. They're a very dangerous team, they play the ball well, and they're fast,"he began.
He then spoke about how the challenge will be a very difficult one for Real Madrid and how the men in white must conquer their weaknesses and go for the win with everything they have got.
"But as I told you, they're going through a tough dynamic. There will be many matches, and above all, we must go after the three points because they're the most important."
Villarreal have been one of La Liga's more attacking teams this season and already have 13 goals scored so far. After Barcelona on 31, Real Madrid on 18 and Atletico Madrid on 16, they stand in fourth place.
Mourinho's men have to step up. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
In that sense, it becomes significant to address how Real Madrid will line up defensively, especially given all the liabilities they face.
Ibrahima Konate's return from injury comes as massive news for Jose Mourinho in that sense, especially given how Eder Militao and Raul Asencio are unavailable, and Dean Huijsen is suspended.
What Los Blancos will hope, however, is that the Konate-Rudiger partnership, which has not been heavily tested so far this season, comes good under pressure.
Carreras, meanwhile, will also hope for a starting place ahead of Marc Cucurella given his recent performances. The game, needless to say, will be a critical one for the team's momentum.
