Thaindian News

Madrid, Oct 25 (IANS) Real Madrid football club look to continue their incredible scoring record as they entertain Villarreal in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Wednesday night.

Jose Mourinho’s men have scored four goals in each of their last four matches and are currently second in the Primera Liga with an average of 3.5 goals per game.

Villarreal meanwhile travel to the Bernabeu on the back of a poor start to the season and following a 0-3 home defeat against league leaders Levante, Xinhua reports.

The pressure is mounting on coach Juan Carlos Garrido whose side has also lost its first three matches in the Champions League and needs a minor miracle to remain in Europe this season.

Villarreal are still without striker Nilmar, who is recovering from a knee operation and have former Real Madrid duo, Borja Valero and Diego Lopez in their starting 11.

Mourinho faces the continued dilemma as to whether he should start with Karim Benzema or Gonzalo Higuain. Higuain started in the 4-0 thrashing of Malaga Saturday and repaid Mourinho’s faith by scoring the first goal of the game.

He has scored seven goals in his last three appearances, while Benzema also scored when he was given the chance in Europe last week.

One player who could be rested is Xabi Alonso, who so far has played every minute this season. Alonso could start the game on the bench as next Saturday sees Real Madrid travel to San Sebastian to face his former club, Real Sociedad.

Sami Khedira will continue in the middle and either Mesut Ozil or Esteban Granero could take Alonso’s place in the side.

Elsewhere there will be few changes in the Madrid defence, with Raul Albiol still out of action with a broken bone in his face.

Madrid have the advantage of playing 24 hours after Barcelona face Granada and will know what they need to do in order to either keep up with their rivals or perhaps open up a wider lead.