Mbappe Fires Real Madrid Back to La Liga Summit with Villarreal Brace
Kylian Mbappe delivered a match-winning performance as Real Madrid reclaimed the top spot in La Liga with a 2-1 comeback victory over Villarreal.
The hosts took an early lead through Juan Foyth, but two Mbappe goals in quick succession secured all three points for Los Blancos. The result moves Madrid three points clear of Barcelona, who face Atletico Madrid on Sunday night. Villarreal, meanwhile, remain fifth, now five points behind the Champions League qualification places after consecutive league defeats.
A Fast Start and a Quick Turnaround
Villarreal started brightly, with Ayoze Perez forcing Thibaut Courtois into two early saves within the opening seven minutes. Courtois initially tipped a curling effort behind, but from the resulting corner, Foyth pounced on a loose ball to smash home the opener.
That goal sparked Mbappe and Madrid into action. Just 10 minutes later, the French forward set up Brahim Diaz, whose shot was parried by Diego Conde—only for Mbappe to react first and slot in the rebound.
Mbappe wasted no time celebrating, immediately sprinting back to the center circle—a clear sign of his intent. Six minutes later, he struck again. Given too much space on the edge of the Villarreal box, he curled a stunning effort past Conde to complete the turnaround.
The double takes Mbappe to 20 league goals this season, just one behind La Liga's top scorer, Robert Lewandowski.
Madrid’s Star Man Delivers Again
After a challenging start to his Real Madrid career, Mbappe has hit his stride and is proving instrumental in their bid for domestic and European glory. With Vinicius Junior left on the bench following a disappointing midweek performance against Atletico, Mbappe seized the spotlight.
Villarreal, who played out a thrilling 4-4 draw in this fixture last season, put up a fight once again. Courtois was called into action before halftime, stretching to keep out a long-range strike from Nicolas Pepe, and later denying Alex Baena in the second half.
Despite their efforts, Villarreal couldn’t break Madrid down again, and Los Blancos saw out a crucial victory to take pole position in the La Liga title race.
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