Real Madrid bounce back from Champions League defeat to sink Villarreal

Real Madrid reached the level of rivals Barcelona, ​​ahead of the Blaugrana's match on Sunday, by beating Villarreal 2-0 Saturday evening.

Los Blancos came into the match on the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Lille in Champions League midweek, and although they weren't at their best, they managed to take all three points against a courageous Villarreal team.

The home side needed just 14 minutes to open the score, and they did it in spectacular fashion. Luka Modric played a short corner back to Federico Valverdewho fired a superb shot from distance facilitated by a deflection, before passing in front Diego Conde in the Villarreal goal.

Although many expected Real to go from there, that was not the case, with On the side of Carlo Ancelotti have difficulty creating chances.

Jude Bellingham tried his luck with a shot that went wide of the goal later in the half, while Kylian Mbappé failed to take a shot after seemingly being played in behind the Villarreal defense.

As a result, Los Blancos headed into the break with a one-goal lead, although they had a scare early in the half when Thierno Barry was played and apparently removed to the box. However, the game was ruled offside, much to the relief of the home team and supporters.

Alex Baena He then took his chance on a free kick and sent his shot wide, as Real Madrid struggled to score anything of note as the minutes ticked down.

Vinicius puts the match to bed

Vinicius put Real's nerves to rest in the 73rd minute. The Brazilian received the ball just outside the box before unleashing a fierce strike which left a diving Conde without any chance.

This goal seemed to end Villarreal's belief that they could get something out of the match, with Real Madrid firmly in control in the closing stages.

Unfortunately for Real, the match ended on a sour note when Dani Carvajal reunited with Yeremy Pino in the last moments. The Real legend was then forced off on a stretcher with what appeared to be a leg injury.

The result means Real move level with Barcelona at the top of the table on 21 points, with the Catalans set to face Alaves on Sunday. As for Villarreal, it remains third with 17 points.