Real Madrid's tough schedule ahead

Madrid, after leaving some doubts in the Copa del Rey opener against Cacereno, a match that Rodrygo solved with a brilliant performance, suffered their first setback of the 2023 season at La Ceramica (2-1), a stadium that has been a difficult one for 'Los Blancos' in recent years.
The 'Merengues' have not known what it's like to win away to Villarreal since 2017, in a match that ended 2-3. Since then, the team from Concha Espina have recorded draws or defeats on their visits to Villarreal. This Saturday, they deserved to be beaten by a great Yellow Submarine.
The controversy did not go unnoticed, as there was much discussion regarding the two penalties given for handball, one by Foyth and the other by Alaba. Apart from that, Madrid have to realise what is coming their way.
January has only just begun for 'Los Blancos'. From the start of the year until the end of February, Ancelotti's side could play 16 matches in 54 days at best.
After beating Cacereno and losing to Villarreal, Madrid's next stop is the Spanish Super Cup. They will face Valencia in the semi-final and if they beat them they will face either Barcelona or Betis in the final.
Once this tournament is over for 'Los Blancos', the Copa del Rey comes back into play and the 'Merengues' will have to return to La Ceramica to take revenge. If they go through, there is one more game to add - the quarter-final - as well as another if they reach the semi-finals.
In the meantime, Madrid will play six league games or seven, depending on whether they reach the final of the Club World Cup, which takes place between 1st and 11th February in Morocco.
If the schedule is already very tough, we must also add the Champions League. The 'Merengues' will kick off the round of 16 at Anfield against Liverpool (21st February). The complicated part begins, but also the good one for the European champions.