Real Madrid dropped more points in La Liga as their title hopes further diminished.
Villarreal defeated Real Madrid 3-2 in their La Liga game on Saturday. A thrilling second half saw the Yellow Submarines come back from behind to beat the reigning champions.
Chukwueze steals the show!
Real Madrid started off as the better side, scoring the opener in the 16th minute. An own goal from Pau Torres put the hosts ahead, but Samuel Chukwueze clinched the equalizer for Villarreal 20 minutes later.
The second half started with Villarreal creating several serious chances. But it was Real Madrid who restored their lead.
A brilliant solo run and finish from Vinicius Junior made it 2-1 for the Blancos. However, that wasn’t enough to stop Villarreal from continuing their relentless attacks.
Jose Luis Morales turned a loose ball inside Real Madrid’s box into Villarreal’s second goal of the night. The referee initially ruled out the goal but a VAR review changed his mind.
Carlo Ancelotti brought in Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga after conceding the second equalizer. But his side’s efforts to restore their lead only created more space for Villarreal’s forwards.
Chukwueze then completed his impressive performance with a wonderful match-winner in the 80th minute. The Nigerian star latched onto the ball on the right edge of the box before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the upper-far corner of the net.
The Blancos pushed hard to escape the defeat in the final ten minutes, but Quique Setien’s side managed to hold on to their lead.
Real Madrid will go 15 points behind Barcelona on the league table if the Catalans beat Girona in their next La Liga game on Monday.
The Blancos now have four days to prepare for their crucial Champions League clash against Chelsea at Santiago Bernabeu.