Mikautadze throws down gauntlet to Real Madrid: 'They should be worried about us'
Villarreal's record signing Georges Mikautadze is finding his feet in La Liga and shows no fear ahead of hosting Real Madrid this weekend.
Georgian striker Georges Mikautadze is finally showing why Villarreal made him their record signing last summer, and he’s not short on confidence ahead of the weekend’s clash with Real Madrid.
Finding his rhythm in Spain
After six months of adaptation to Spanish football, Mikautadze is hitting his stride at just the right time. The Georgian international has started 2026 with a bang, proving decisive in all three league matches played so far this year.
“I understand what the coach wants from me now,” says the former Lyon man, who’s clearly growing in confidence with each passing week. His improvement has coincided with Villarreal adopting a more aggressive pressing style - something that suits his game perfectly.
“When we press higher up, we recover the ball higher up. It benefits all forwards because we can attack more quickly and score more goals,” he explains.
No fear of the champions
Despite Real Madrid’s emphatic 6-0 Champions League victory over Monaco midweek, Mikautadze remains utterly unfazed about facing the Spanish giants.
When asked if Madrid’s return to form was concerning ahead of their visit to La Cerámica, his response was box office: “No, we’re not afraid. We’re third in La Liga. I think they should be more worried about us.”
It’s a bold statement from the striker, but one backed by Villarreal’s impressive league position. The Yellow Submarine sit just behind the traditional powerhouses, giving substance to Mikautadze’s ambition.
From Lyon to La Cerámica
Leaving Lyon wasn’t straightforward for Mikautadze, who grew up in the French city and considered playing for OL a dream fulfilled. “The club had financial problems and needed income. Not many players had a high value, so I had to sacrifice myself to help the club,” he reveals.
Before joining Villarreal, he sought advice from Georgian teammates familiar with Spanish football:
- Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valencia)
- Giorgi Kochorashvili (Castellón)
Both assured him that Villarreal was “a family club, ideal for growing as a player” - advice that has proven accurate as he settles into life in Spain.
Georgian pride
As part of what he describes as “the best generation Georgia has ever had,” Mikautadze takes immense pride in representing his ancestral homeland despite being born in France. Scoring Georgia’s first-ever goal at a European Championship was a particular highlight.
“We’re like brothers and we give everything to represent our country well,” he says of the talented group that includes Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
With Villarreal now third in the table, Mikautadze’s dream of winning titles with the Yellow Submarine doesn’t seem that far-fetched. And if he can help them overcome Real Madrid this weekend, that dream might get a whole lot closer.