Alberto Moleiro of Villarreal
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Real Madrid will return from the international break with little room for another setback, and Villarreal midfielder Alberto Moleiro is fully aware of the pressure awaiting Jose Mourinho’s side.
The two teams will meet on October 10 as La Liga resumes, with Madrid already six points behind leaders Barcelona after suffering two defeats during the opening stages of the campaign.
Villarreal, meanwhile, head into the fixture with ambitions of their own.
Their upcoming schedule is unforgiving, with Real Madrid followed by Napoli and Liverpool, but Moleiro sees the demanding run as an opportunity rather than something to fear.
Speaking to AS, the midfielder made it clear that Villarreal have no intention of simply trying to survive their visit to Madrid.
Villarreal ready for a demanding run of fixtures
The scale of Villarreal’s schedule has not escaped Moleiro, as facing three high-profile opponents in quick succession would test any squad,
However, the midfielder believes these are precisely the matches that make football worthwhile.
Alberto Moleiro of Villarreal
Villarreal visit Santiago Bernabeu after the international break. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
“Yes, it’s a tough one, but a great one. As someone who loves football, I love being able to play in those matches.
“But anyway, let’s take it in our stride, enjoy it and give it our all.”
Real Madrid’s two defeats have already increased the importance of every league fixture.
So, dropping further points against Villarreal would make their early deficit even more difficult to overcome.
Moleiro knows that situation gives the hosts additional motivation, but he insists Villarreal have just as much reason to attack the game.
Moleiro knows Real Madrid need the points
Villarreal are not approaching the match just as an opportunity to exploit Madrid’s difficult start.
Moleiro acknowledged the pressure on the home side while making it clear that Villarreal’s own ambitions will shape their approach.
Alberto Moleiro of Villarreal
Alberto Moleiro is aware of Real Madrid’s situation. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“Yes, we know how important it is for them to win and how badly they need it, but then again, we need to win too and we want to win because we want to be up there.
“And if we want to be up there, we have to compete in these kinds of matches, win them and show that we want to be there. And I think we can do it, so let’s see what happens.”
Early setbacks have made Villarreal ‘stronger’
Villarreal’s confidence comes partly from how they have responded to difficult moments already this season, having lost three of the seven league matches.
Moleiro pointed to the draw against Levante and the earlier match in Malaga as examples of the team’s ability to recover when games have gone against them.
“Yes, ultimately I think this hardship is going to make us stronger. It’s not easy. The other day, when Levante drew with us, we were mentally strong enough to push on and come from behind.
“I think we’ve done that, just as we did in Malaga. And we’ve already shown we’re capable of doing it again.
“I think we’ve already faced all the difficulties that might come our way at the start of this league campaign, and I reckon everything’s going to work in our favour now because we’re learning a lot,” he concluded.
Endrick opens up about Brazil’s World Cup heartbreak and life at Real Madrid: ‘A wound that still remains’
Endrick, Real Madrid and Brazil forward
Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
Endrick may not be getting the regular minutes he wants at Real Madrid or with Brazil, but the young striker remains one of the most closely watched forwards in world football.
At 20, the Brazilian is already carrying expectations that few players his age have experienced.
His development has also been influenced by difficult moments, including Brazil’s early World Cup exit against Norway and his struggle for consistent opportunities at club level.
Now, Endrick has offered a glimpse into the person behind the footballer.
Endrick’s perspective on pressure
In a recent interview (h/t AS), the Real Madrid forward reflected on the pressure surrounding professional football and the painful memories of Brazil’s World Cup campaign.
Endrick’s lack of regular football could easily dominate discussions about his current situation, but the Brazilian is choosing to focus on what football has given him.
Endrick, Real Madrid and Brazil forward
Endrick is facing a difficult time both at Real Madrid and Brazil. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
“There can be moments of intense pressure, but you have to be grateful for what football gives you. It’s not difficult being a footballer.
“What’s difficult is getting up at five in the morning and working on a Sunday. I just play football, which is what I love most.”
Brazil’s World Cup exit still hurts Endrick
The more difficult part of the interview came when Endrick revisited Brazil’s elimination against Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16.
Brazil entered the tournament with expectations of going deep, making the eventual defeat particularly painful for the squad.
Endrick and his teammates subsequently faced intense scrutiny as questions were raised over the Selecao’s disappointing campaign.
Months later, the memory has clearly not disappeared. “It was a very difficult moment. It’s a wound that still remains and that we have to try to heal as quickly as possible,” he said.
Endrick, Real Madrid and Brazil forward
Endrick has opened up on the World Cup heartbreak. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
His start against Australia during this international break represented another opportunity to contribute to Brazil’s rebuilding process, although he was unable to get on the scoresheet.
Real Madrid teammates love Brazilian football
Away from the pressure surrounding Brazil and his own career, Endrick also discussed life inside the Real Madrid dressing room.
The striker has developed a particularly close relationship with fellow Brazilian Rodrygo, while some of the club’s European stars regularly turn to the pair when they want to learn more about football in Brazil.
That includes Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde, who apparently have more interest in the Brasileirão than Endrick might have expected.
“Valverde asks us about Brazilian football. Bellingham does too,” he revealed.