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.

Updated on: 25 January 2026 12:11 pm

La Liga: Real Madrid vs Villarreal Kylian Mbappe

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

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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

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La Liga Soccer Match: Real Madrid vs Villarreal

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

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La Liga Soccer Match: Villarreal Vs Real Madrid

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

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Spain Soccer La Liga: Real Madrid vs Villarreal

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

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Spain Soccer La Liga: Villarreal Vs Real Madrid

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

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La Liga 2025-26: Real Madrid vs Villarreal

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

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La Liga 2025-26: Villarreal Vs Real Madrid

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

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Spain La Liga Soccer Match: Real Madrid vs Villarreal

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

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Spain La Liga Soccer Match: Villarreal Vs Real Madrid

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