5 Teams that can challenge Real Madrid for the Champions League spot this season

#2 Villarreal CF

Villarreal celebrate their victory as a dejected Ronaldo looks over

Villarreal shocked the Bernabeu last week as Pablo Fornals' audacious attempt sailed into the net past Keylor Navas, as the Madrid keeper could do nothing except grabbing the eerie air in the Bernabeu.

The Yellow Submarine's victory in the Spanish capital sent Zinedine Zidane's men even deeper into an inescapable void created by their own inconsistency.

Stealing points from both the Madrid clubs, aswell as Valencia in the first stretch of La Liga, Villarreal also displayed their strength against Barcelona. With the experienced Sergio Asenjo leading the team from the back, Villarreal is a force to be reckoned with this season.

Winning the same number of matches as Real Madrid, Villarreal sits only a point behind the defending champions. Los Blancos chances of making it to next year's Champions League are bleak provided Villarreal's stellar run of form.

League Standing: 5th [19 Played, 31 Points]

Goals Scored: 26

Goals Against: 21