Real Madrid asserts dominance by claiming the top spot on the leaderboard

Real Madrid overcame Villarreal 3-1 thanks to Vinicius’s double and a goal by Mbappe, moving up to lead La Liga with 21 points from 8 games.

Real Madrid delivered an emotional performance against Villarreal in La Liga’s 8th round, securing a 3-1 victory to temporarily top the table. The match at Bernabeu started with intense energy from coach Xabi Alonso’s squad.

Right from the kickoff, Real Madrid launched an all-out attack. Frontline stars like Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe, Arda Guler, and young talent Mastantuono continuously pressured the defense.

However, Villarreal’s solid defense and Real’s lack of finishing in the first half meant no goals were scored. Notably, the home team nearly conceded if not for an outstanding save by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the 41st minute, keeping the score level at halftime.

In the second half, Real Madrid demonstrated superior strength. Just two minutes after the restart, Mbappe delivered a clever assist for Vinicius to open the scoring with a shot deflected off a defender, leaving the opposing goalkeeper helpless. This lead boosted the royal team’s confidence.

At the 69th minute, Vinicius earned a penalty after a speedy run that unsettled Villarreal’s defense. Although eager to score, Mbappe passed the penalty kick opportunity to his Brazilian teammate, who converted it to complete his brace and extend the lead to 2-0.

It seemed Real would easily control the game, but Villarreal unexpectedly revived hopes in the 73rd minute when striker Georges Mikautadze reduced the deficit to 1-2. However, their joy was short-lived as just four minutes later, defender Santiago Mourino received a straight red card, leaving Villarreal a man down and losing control of the match.

Taking advantage of the numerical superiority, Real Madrid launched faster attacks. In the 81st minute, Brahim Diaz assisted Mbappe, who scored to seal a 3-1 victory for the Bernabeu hosts. This goal was a well-deserved reward for the French star’s energetic performance throughout the match.

This crucial 3-point win raises Real Madrid’s total to 21 points after 8 games, temporarily surpassing Barcelona to claim the top spot in La Liga.

Starting Lineup

Real Madrid Coach: Xabi Alonso

4-2-3-1

• 
  1. Courtois

• 
  8. Valverde
• 
  3. Eder Militao
• 
  24. Huijsen
• 
  18. Carreras

• 
  14. Tchouameni
• 
  19. Ceballos

• 
  30. Mastantuono
• 
  15. Guler
• 
  7. Vinicius Junior

• 
  10. Mbappe

• 
  20. Moleiro
• 
  21. Oluwaseyi

• 
  18. Gueye
• 
  16. Partey
• 
  14. Comesana
• 
  17. Buchanan

• 
  23. Cardona
• 
  12. Veiga
• 
  4. Marin
• 
  15. Mourino

• 
  25. Tenas

Villarreal Coach: Marcelino G.

4-4-2

Substitutes

4

Alaba

17

Asencio

5

Bellingham

6

Camavinga

21

Diaz

9

Endrick

20

Garcia

16

Garcia

13

Lunin

43

Mestre

11

Rodrygo

11

Akhomach

3

Altimira

13

Conde

1

Luiz Junior

9

Mikautadze

10

Parejo

24

Pedraza

19

Pepe

6

Solomon

Coaches

Xabi Alonso

Marcelino G.