Overview
- The France forward scored in the 47th minute from a Vinícius Júnior cut-back and converted a stoppage-time penalty he won after Alfonso Pedraza’s foul.
- His brace marked his LaLiga-leading 20th and 21st goals of the season and put Madrid two points clear for now.
- Álvaro Arbeloa’s team has three straight victories after a Copa del Rey upset, a run that includes a 6-1 Champions League win over Monaco.
- Real managed absences with Aurélien Tchouaméni suspended and several centre-backs injured, prompting defensive adjustments.
- Villarreal’s strong home record posed problems, but they failed to capitalize on openings, notably Gerard Moreno’s miss from a set-piece.