Mbappé Double Sends Real Madrid Top After Villarreal Win

Mbappé delivers as Real seize advantage

Real Madrid moved to the top of LaLiga after Kylian Mbappé scored early in the second half and added a late penalty to secure a 2–0 victory away at Villarreal. With Barcelona not playing until Sunday, Los Blancos took full advantage to move two points clear at the summit.

Villarreal slipped to a third straight defeat, following their midweek Champions League loss to Ajax, and struggled to match Madrid’s quality after a competitive opening.

Villarreal threaten before the break

The hosts started brightly and nearly opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Alfonso Pedraza broke down the left and flashed a cross across goal, only for Tajon Buchanan to miss at the far post.

Villarreal suffered an early setback when Juan Foyth went down clutching his ankle in the penalty area and was forced off, replaced by Rafa Marín. Madrid began to grow into the game, with Arda Güler curling an effort over and Mbappé testing Luiz Júnior after combining with Vinícius Júnior.

Jude Bellingham also went close after winning possession high up the pitch, while Villarreal nearly struck just before half-time as Papa Gueye’s low effort curled narrowly wide.

Mbappé strikes and seals the win

Real Madrid took the lead moments after the restart. Vinícius kept the ball in play on the left, burst into the box and saw his cutback deflect loose, allowing Mbappé to fire home his 20th LaLiga goal of the season.

Villarreal had chances to respond, with Gerard Moreno firing over from close range and Thibaut Courtois comfortably dealing with Alberto Moleiro’s shot late on. Madrid remained in control and wrapped things up in stoppage time when Mbappé was tripped by Pedraza.

The Frenchman stepped up and calmly chipped a Panenka penalty into the net, sealing the win and sending Real Madrid top of the table.