Real Madrid secured a 2-1 comeback win against Villarreal on Saturday, moving three points clear at the top of La Liga. Kylian Mbappé was the hero, scoring both goals after an early strike from Juan Foyth had given Villarreal the lead.
The French superstar now has 20 La Liga goals, just one behind Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski, and has netted 31 goals across all competitions since joining Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
With this victory, Carlo Ancelotti’s side remains in firm control of the title race, despite ongoing concerns about fixture congestion following their Champions League battle against Atlético Madrid earlier in the week.
First Half: Foyth Scores, Mbappé Responds
The match opened with Villarreal attacking aggressively. Alex Baena and Nicolas Pepe spearheaded the Yellow Submarine’s offense, forcing Thibaut Courtois into multiple saves. The Belgian goalkeeper denied Pepe, Ayoze Pérez, and Pape Gueye in quick succession, but Madrid’s defense struggled under pressure.
In the 8th minute, Villarreal broke through. A chaotic sequence following a corner led to Juan Foyth capitalizing on a loose ball inside the six-yard box, firing past Courtois to put the hosts ahead.
However, Real Madrid responded swiftly. In the 17th minute, Mbappé assisted Brahim Díaz, whose shot was parried by goalkeeper Diego Conde. The ball deflected perfectly for Mbappé, who smashed it into the net to level the score.
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Minutes later, in the 23rd minute, Mbappé struck again. Left unmarked at the edge of the box, he received a precise pass from Lucas Vázquez and calmly slotted the ball into the right corner, putting Madrid ahead 2-1.
Halftime Score: Villarreal 1-2 Real Madrid
- Possession: Real Madrid 58% – 42% Villarreal
- Shots on Target: Real Madrid 5 – 4 Villarreal
- Pass Accuracy: Real Madrid 91% – 86% Villarreal
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Second Half: Courtois Denies Villarreal’s Late Push
Villarreal attempted to claw back into the game in the second half, applying relentless pressure. Ayoze Pérez came closest to equalizing, forcing Courtois into a one-handed diving save in the 67th minute.
Madrid made substitutions in the final half-hour, bringing on Vinícius Júnior, Antonio Rüdiger, and Luka Modric to solidify their lead. Despite Villarreal’s late attacking surge, Madrid’s defense held firm, with Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal neutralizing crosses and set pieces.
Real Madrid’s victory was a statement of resilience and efficiency, with Mbappé delivering another match-winning performance.
Post-Match Reactions: Mbappé and Ancelotti Speak Out
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid Forward):
“This was an important and difficult game against one of the best teams in the league. After the extra time in the Champions League against Atlético, it was tough, but we showed character and proved we wanted this win.”
Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid Manager):
“This is the last time we will play within 72 hours. We asked for a later kickoff, but it was denied. Our players need time to recover.”
Ancelotti’s comments reflect Madrid’s frustration with the congested schedule, as they continue competing on multiple fronts.
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Key Takeaways from the Villarreal vs Real Madrid Clash
- Madrid Extends La Liga Lead: With Barcelona playing on Sunday, Madrid now holds a three-point advantage.
- Mbappé’s Scoring Streak Continues: The French forward now has 20 La Liga goals and 31 across all competitions.
- Courtois Proves Vital: Madrid’s goalkeeper made three crucial saves, preventing Villarreal from snatching a draw.
- Fixture Congestion Concerns: Madrid faces a demanding schedule, and Ancelotti has made it clear they will not agree to similar match turnarounds again.
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