A narrow win for Villarreal kept Real Madrid in the second spot on La Liga’s table.
Villarreal defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in their La Liga game on Saturday. Karim Benzema’s goal wasn’t enough for the Blancos to escape the defeat at El Madrigal.
A crucial win for Villarreal!
The hosts stunned Real Madrid with their solid start to the game as they created a host of goalscoring chances early on.
Real Madrid bounced back to take control over possession toward the end of the first period. But neither side found the back of the net before the break.
Villarreal, however, started the second half on a brilliant note. Following an assist from Gerard Moreno, Yeremy Pino put Villarreal ahead with a powerful shot in the 47th minute.
Real Madrid made a quick comeback when the VAR awarded them a penalty ten minutes later. Karim Benzema converted the spot-kick with a precise low shot to make it 1-1.
However, it didn’t take long for Villarreal to restore their lead. Only two minutes after Benzema’s equalizer, a handball from David Alaba convinced the referee to point to the penalty spot again.
Moreno completed his fantastic performance by sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong way. Villarreal then sat deep into their own half to defend their lead.
Real Madrid put pressure on the hosts for a second equalizer but couldn’t effectively find space behind their backline. Villarreal came close to finishing the game off through Samuel Chukwueze, but Courtois made a brilliant save to stop the Nigerian star’s shot.
Real Madrid’s defeat provides Barcelona with a chance to increase their lead at the top of the La Liga table to three points by beating Atletico Madrid.
On the other hand, Villarreal move level on points with Atletico, who keep their fourth spot on goal difference.
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