The 2025–2026 La Liga season continued with a high-profile clash in Round 8 as Real Madrid hosted Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabéu.
With a brilliant performance featuring two goals from Vinícius Jr. and both an assist and a goal from Kylian Mbappé, Los Blancos claimed an impressive 3–1 victory over their opponents.
Real Madrid Takes the Top Spot
With this victory, Real Madrid, having played one more match than Barcelona, temporarily climbed to the top of the La Liga table with 21 points, holding a two-point lead over their Catalan rivals.
First Half: Relentless Madrid Pressure Yields No Goal
The match kicked off with Real Madrid dominating possession. In the 7th minute, Mbappé delivered a threatening through ball to Arda Güler, who fired a powerful shot from inside the box, but it flew over the bar.
In the 20th minute, Mbappé broke through Villarreal’s defence and unleashed a shot, only for goalkeeper Tenas to make a fine save. Just a minute later, Vinícius cut in from the left and crossed into the box, where Aurélien Tchouaméni’s header narrowly missed the target.
In the 22nd minute, Mbappé pressed high to win the ball and selflessly squared it to Mastantono, whose shot at an open goal was blocked by a Villarreal defender.
In the 27th minute, Mastantono made another cut from the right and delivered a cross. Tchouaméni once again rose for a header under heavy pressure, but the ball went over the bar.
At the 37th minute, Real Madrid earned a free kick in a dangerous area, the wall blocked Güler’s direct attempt, and his follow-up right-foot shot drifted wide.
In the 41st minute, Villarreal forward Oluwaseyi managed to break through between Heijsen and Militão, creating a one-on-one chance, but Courtois’ brilliant save denied his shot.
The first half ended in a scoreless draw, with neither team able to score, resulting in a 0–0 score.
Second Half: Mbappé’s Goal and Assist, Vinícius Steals the Show
After the break, the game intensified. In the 78th minute, Vinícius made a powerful run down the flank before being fouled by Mourinho, who received a second yellow card and was sent off.
In the 81st minute, Brahim Díaz unselfishly squared the ball to Mbappé, who calmly slotted it into an empty net to break the deadlock.
With momentum entirely in their favour, Real Madrid continued to dominate. Vinícius Jr. dazzled with his pace and finishing, netting twice to secure a comfortable 3–1 victory for Los Blancos.
Ultimately, Real Madrid’s outstanding second-half performance earned them a crucial home win, propelling them to the top of La Liga.
