The next match. Undefeated in La Liga since the start of the season (5 wins and 3 draws) and runner-up to FC Barcelona at kick-off, Real Madrid still had to raise their heads after their surprise defeat (0-1) against LOSC during the second day of the Champions League. Opposed to Villarreal, third and in confidence in recent weeks, the Merengue club presented itself in 4-3-3. Returning from injury and not called up by Didier Deschamps for the next meeting of the France team, Kylian Mbappé was nevertheless established alongside Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham. In the midfield, Luka Modric accompanied Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde while Aurélien Tchouaméni officiated in central defense. For its part, the Yellow Submarine was organized in 4-4-2 with an attacking duo composed of Nicolas Pépé and Thierno Barry.
Heckled in the first minutes of this shock, Carlo Ancelotti’s men thanked the visitors’ imprecision, like the two off-target shots from Baena (9th) and Pépé (11th). On the back foot and hampered by the intensity of the Groguets, Real would nevertheless take the advantage shortly before the end of the first quarter of an hour. On a corner hit by Modric, Bellingham faded and Valverde opened the scoring with a shot slightly deflected by Baena ending in the small left net of Diego Conde (1-0, 13th). Stunned but far from resigned, Villarreal went on the attack again and provided new thrills to the Madrid defense. Found on the left side, Baena crossed towards Pépé but the latter saw his head pushed back by the top of the crossbar (16th). Jostled, Casa Blanca, led by an inspired Vinicius Jr, finally gradually regained control of operations and took the lead at the break.
Valverde decisive, Vinicius scorer, Mbappé in difficulty
Returning from the locker room, the Merengues continued to maintain control of the leather under the eyes of Toni Kroos, acclaimed by the Madrid supporters. Launched from deep, Thierno Barry was very close to obtaining a penalty on a foul by Tchouameni but the attacker passed through Basel was finally flagged in an offside position (51st). A meeting where Mbappé, for his part, experienced all the difficulty in the world to do well in the game. Available for his partners and mobile on the front of the attack, the former Parisian was often blocked by the rearguard of the Yellow submarine. A lack of success which, however, did not prevent Real Madrid from managing their slight lead. In the last half hour, the Madrilenians pushed to take cover but Vinicius Jr saw his shot go off target (70th).
In the wake of this clear opportunity, Mbappé gave way to Rodrygo. And Real doubled the bet. Found a little more than 20 meters away by Valverde, Vinicius Jr, not attacked, fired a heavy shot from the right and made the break (2-0, 73rd). Unfortunately for the Brazilian, he also had to leave his team, injured in the right shoulder and replaced by Arda Güler (79th). In the final seconds, Carvajal, victim of a collision with Pino and hit in the right knee, also left in tears and on a stretcher… A big blow for the Merengues which, however, changed nothing at the end of this meeting. With this victory (2-0), Real Madrid continues its series of invincibility and returns, provisionally, to FC Barcelona at the top of the championship. For its part, Villarreal remains on the podium but could be overtaken by Atlético de Madrid in the coming hours…
