Intro
French star strikes twice as Madrid overcome turmoil to move ahead Barcelona
Barcelona
Kylian Mbappé’s clinical brace powered Real Madrid to a 2-0 victory at Villarreal, lifting the reigning champions back to the top of La Liga despite recent turbulence both on and off the pitch.
Mbappé broke the deadlock early in the second half before sealing the win with an injury-time penalty, taking his league-leading tally to 21 goals in just 20 appearances this season. The result moved Madrid two points clear of Barcelona, who can reclaim first place with a home win over bottom-placed Real Oviedo on Sunday.
The victory capped a steady revival for Madrid after a turbulent fortnight that saw the club part ways with coach Xabi Alonso following defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. His successor, Álvaro Arbeloa, endured a rough start with a shock Copa del Rey exit to a second-tier side, sparking protests from supporters during recent home matches.
However, Arbeloa has now overseen three straight victories, and the win at Villarreal underlined Madrid’s ability to grind out results even when performances have not always convinced. A loss by Barcelona at Real Sociedad last weekend had opened the door, and Madrid seized the opportunity.
Arbeloa praised Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, whose direct running and creativity were central to both goals. “They are two of the best players in the world. They break down defences and we try to get them as many touches as possible,” Arbeloa said, adding that winning at Villarreal was “a result of collective effort.”
Mbappé’s opener came in the 47th minute after he reacted quickest to a loose ball following a Vinícius cross, firing past goalkeeper Luiz Júnior. Villarreal missed chances to respond, notably when Gerard Moreno blazed over from close range.
Mbappé later converted a penalty after being tripped by Alfonso Pedraza, putting the result beyond doubt. Villarreal slipped to fourth, 10 points behind Madrid, as the title race intensified at the summit of La Liga.