Real Madrid has returned to the top of the La Liga table for at least 24 hours after a lively 2-1 win over Villarreal in La Ceramica.
Real Madrid arrived in Vila-Real of a chased 120-minute show against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, and tiredness turned out to be in the early stages when Villarreal dominated. And the hosts rightly took the lead after eight minutes when a corner of Alex Baena ended with Juan Foyth who stuck the ball past Thibaut Courtois up close.
However, that goal seemed to wake Real Madrid – and in particular Kylian Mbappe. He would find the equalizer at 17 minutes after following the saved effort by Brahim Diaz, about which Villarreal -goalkeeper Diego Conde will feel a pity after a nice rescue.
Not long after, Real Madrid would complete the first half comeback, and it was again Mbappe who found the back of the net. After collecting a Lucas Vazquez cutbacks, the French superstar curled the ball in the right side of Conde's goal, much to the delight of him and his teammates.
Real Madrid retained their lead, but after the interval they were again under the Cosh when Villarreal pushed an equalizer. Thierno Barry was caused with the break and he missed a big chance of a cross by Alex Baena because he did not hold his header down.
Villarreal would continue to stack the pressure, while Real Madrid brought the will of Vinicius Junior, Luka Modric and Arda Guler to help see the victory – and they succeeded. It means that they have returned to the top of the La Liga table for the time being, although they are beaten when there is a winner in the showdown on Sunday between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona in the Metropolitano.
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