Two stunning strikes from distance helped Real Madrid to a deserved 2-0 victory over Villarreal on Saturday night.
Looking to close the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona, it was Federico Valverde who found the far corner before Vinicius Junior unleashed a long-range screamer to secure all three points.
Los Blancos are now level on points with Barca, though the Catalan giants face Alaves on Sunday before the October international break.
How the game unfolded
Villarreal rocked up at the Bernabeu hoping to prove their Champions League aspirations, coming into the weekend in third place after five wins and three draws.
However, while they made the opening exchanges difficult for Madrid with some harrying and pressing, it was pure Galacticos quality that helped the hosts take the lead as Valverde struck from distance.
A well-worked set-piece saw Luka Modric find the Uruguay international on the edge of the box and the midfielder showed no restraint in lashing an effort towards goal that flew past Diego Conde into the far corner with the aid of a hefty deflection.
However, the visitors so nearly mustered up an immediate response as they hit the woodwork only a minute later. Nicolas Pepe got up to head a cross against the bar before strike partner Thierno Barry put the next chance wide.
Kylian Mbappe, who’s fit despite suffering a recent injury, saw a shot blocked before finding goalscorer Valverde, with the ball eventually winding up with Jude Bellingham. But the England international could only curl narrowly wide.
Makeshift centre-back Aurelien Tchouameni had his heart in his mouth at the start of the second half when he bundled into Barry before the referee’s whistle, but the official signalled an offside rather than pointing to the spot.
Alex Baena’s free-kick brushed the side-netting before Madrid took firm control of the contest with another goal.
Vinicius was given far too much time and space outside the area and the Brazilian eventually let fly, seeing his arrowed strike smash the back of the net to wrap up the points.
Los Blancos saw out the contest to go level with Barca at the top of the La Liga table, but there was concern at full-time for right-back and club captain Dani Carvajal, who was stretchered off with a serious looking injury.
Real Madrid player ratings vs Villarreal (4-4-2)
GK: Andriy Lunin – 6/10 – Didn’t have too many saves to make, with Villarreal failing to hit the target too often.
RB: Dani Carvajal – 7/10 – Dynamic and strong-willed as ever on the right, Carvajal kept the dangerous Baena quiet before his compatriot was subbed off for an early bath. Will hope his late injury isn’t as serious as first feared.
CB: Aurelien Tchouameni – 7/10 – Once again filled in at centre-back, doing little wrong alongside Rudiger before moving into midfield upon Eder Militao’s introduction.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – 6/10 – Rarely had to engage in any direct tackling but came off second best on the few occasions he did. Aggressive but not wholly solid.
LB: Ferland Mendy – 7/10 – Managed to restrict Pepe to just the one scare when the former Arsenal winger hit the woodwork.
RM: Luka Modric – 7/10 – Floated about on the right and regularly came inside. Got the assist for Valverde’s goal and might have had one of his own on another day.
CM: Federico Valverde – 9/10 – Put Madrid ahead with a blockbuster hit from distance and later got the assist for Vinicius’ strike. Combined it with his usual dogged defensive attitude, getting to loose ball and harassing Villarreal’s midfielders all night.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – 7/10 – Was a dynamo in defence, constantly recovering the ball and instigating Madrid attacks.
LM: Jude Bellingham – 7/10 – Played in a wide role and later moved up top after Mbappe and Vinicius both went off. Kept the ball masterfully in tight spots and offered support to his teammates.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – 6/10 – Continued his surprisingly early comeback from injury but couldn’t bag his sixth La Liga goal of the campaign. Had a couple of shots blocked before coming off.
ST: Vinicius Junior – 8/10 – Looked menacing when driving forward with the ball at his feet but his moment came when he thumped in Madrid’s second, wrapping up the points for his side. Also an injury doubt after holding his shoulder upon his substitution.
SUB: Eder Militao (71′ for Camavinga) – 6/10
SUB: Rodrygo (71′ for Mbappe) – 6/10
SUB: Arda Guler (79′ for Vinicius) – 5/10
SUB: Lucas Vazquez (91′ for Carvajal) – N/A
Subs not used: Fran Gonzalez (GK), Sergio Mestre (GK), Jacobo Ramon, Fran Garcia, Jesus Vallejo, Dani Ceballos, Endrick.
Manager
Carlo Ancelotti – 6/10 – Played plenty of his big-hitters but there was still some spluttering finishing from Madrid. It’s been a similar story for most of the season so far and hits from distance were required to see off a determined Villarreal side.
