Vinicius brace sends Real Madrid top with 3-1 win over Villarreal

Vinicius Junior scored twice to help Real Madrid secure a 3-1 victory over Villarreal on Saturday, taking Los Blancos to the top of La Liga. The win moved them two points ahead of Barcelona, who face Sevilla on Sunday.

After last weekend’s 5-2 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid, Madrid bounced back strongly at the Santiago Bernabeu. Returning from a midweek Champions League trip to Kazakhstan where they beat Kairat, Xabi Alonso’s side showed greater resolve against third-placed Villarreal.

Vinicius opened the scoring early in the second half with a deflected shot off Santi Comesana, before doubling the lead from the penalty spot after being brought down by Rafa Marin. Although Villarreal’s Georges Mikautadze pulled a goal back, Madrid quickly restored their two-goal cushion when Kylian Mbappe slotted home a third after being set up by Brahim Diaz.

Mbappe, who remains the league’s top scorer with nine goals, was seen grimacing and was substituted late on, with Alonso confirming the forward had been carrying a slight ankle issue but would still join the French national team.

Jude Bellingham, left out of England’s squad by Thomas Tuchel, came off the bench and nearly scored twice, only to be denied by former Barcelona goalkeeper Arnau Tenas.

Madrid manager Alonso praised Vinicius’ impact, saying the Brazilian was decisive, while also confirming Mbappe remains the primary penalty taker but allowed Vinicius to take the spot-kick.

Villarreal’s frustrations were evident post-match, with Comesana questioning the refereeing decisions, including the penalty and Santiago Mourino’s late red card for a second yellow after fouling Vinicius.

Despite the late goal and protests from the visitors, Madrid looked comfortable and head into the international break with momentum and confidence.