Villarreal Vs Real Madrid, La-Liga 2025-26: Mbappe Shines As 2-0 Victory Saw Los Blancos Leapfrog Barcelona
Real Madrid climbed to the top of La Liga with a 2-0 win over Villarreal at Estadio de la Ceramica, a tight contest decided by Kylian Mbappé’s brace in the second half. After a largely uneventful first 45 minutes with few clear chances for either side, Madrid struck early after the break when Vinícius Júnior’s run created space and his cut-back fell kindly for Mbappé to tap home his 20th league goal of the season. Villarreal threatened at times but lacked a cutting edge in the final third, while Madrid held firm defensively. In stoppage time, Mbappé was fouled in the box and confidently converted a Panenka penalty, sealing a crucial victory that took Los Blancos to the summit of the table.
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe celebrates after the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Villarreal and Real Madrid in Villarreal, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Villarreal and Real Madrid in Villarreal, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
Villarreal's Alfonso Pedraza fouls Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe to give away penalty during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Villarreal and Real Madrid in Villarreal, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham takes on the Villarreal defence during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Villarreal and Real Madrid in Villarreal, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
Villarreal's Nicolas Pepe, left, and Real Madrid's Gonzalo Garcia battle for the ball during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Villarreal and Real Madrid in Villarreal, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring the opening goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Villarreal and Real Madrid in Villarreal, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior reacts after a challenge during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Villarreal and Real Madrid in Villarreal, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, center, takes a shot during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Villarreal and Real Madrid in Villarreal, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen, left, challenges Villarreal's Tajon Buchanan during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Villarreal and Real Madrid in Villarreal, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz
Real Madrid, left, and Villarreal players observe a moment of silence for those that lost their lives in the recent train crash in Spain before a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Villarreal and Real Madrid in Villarreal, Spain. | Photo: AP/Alberto Saiz