Vinicius Junior’s impressive brace helped Real Madrid reclaim the top spot in La Liga with a 3-1 victory over Villarreal on Saturday, while Kylian Mbappe also found the net to seal the win.
Los Blancos, still recovering from last week’s heavy 5-2 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid, bounced back in style at the Santiago Bernabeu, moving two points clear of defending champions Barcelona, who face Sevilla on Sunday.
Fresh from their midweek Champions League trip to Kazakhstan, Madrid showed renewed determination against third-placed Villarreal.
“I played very well and I want to continue like this, keeping this confidence and doing even more,” Vinicius told Real Madrid TV after the match.
The Brazilian, who had a slow start to the season, has rediscovered his spark in recent games. “We have good feelings… when we come back (from the international break), we have big games and we need confidence,” he added.
Head coach Xabi Alonso restored Fede Valverde to the lineup, slotting him at right-back due to injuries to Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
After a goalless first half in which teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono came close and Thibaut Courtois made a crucial save from Tani Oluwaseyi, Madrid broke the deadlock early in the second half.
Vinicius opened the scoring when his shot deflected off Santi Comesana and wrong-footed Villarreal goalkeeper Arnau Tenas. Minutes later, the Brazilian doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after being fouled by Rafa Marin — though Tenas nearly kept it out.
Villarreal’s Comesana was unhappy with the call, saying, “It’s a shame about the first goal which hit me, and then came the penalty, which wasn’t enough (of a foul) to give it… if it’s already hard to win at the Bernabeu, with these things it’s even harder.”
Substitute Jude Bellingham twice came close to extending Madrid’s lead but was denied by Tenas on both occasions. Villarreal briefly threatened a comeback through Georges Mikautadze’s fine finish from the edge of the box, but their hopes faded quickly.
After Santiago Mourino was sent off for a second yellow card following a foul on Vinicius, Mbappe wrapped up the victory with his ninth league goal of the season, finishing calmly from Brahim Diaz’s assist.
Mbappe was later substituted after picking up a minor knock, but Real Madrid’s commanding display ensured they entered the international break as La Liga leaders.
What you should know
Vinicius Junior’s brace and Kylian Mbappe’s late strike sealed a vital 3-1 win for Real Madrid over Villarreal, propelling them back to the top of La Liga.
Despite Villarreal’s protests over refereeing decisions, Madrid’s performance marked a strong response to last week’s derby loss.
