Vinicius Junior’s double and a late strike from Mbappe earned Real Madrid a 3-1 win over Villarreal, sending them back to the top of La Liga.
Real Madrid reclaimed the top spot in La Liga with a 3-1 victory over Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
After a goalless first half, Vinicius Junior broke the deadlock two minutes into the second period, his shot deflecting off former Madrid defender Rafa Marin. The pair were involved again when Marin fouled Vinicius in the box, allowing the Brazilian to score his second from the spot, with Kylian Mbappe giving him the penalty.
Villarreal pulled one back through Georges Mikautadze, but their hopes were dashed when Santiago Mourino received a second yellow card. Moments later, Mbappe added Madrid’s third from Brahim Diaz’s assist before limping off injured.
The win temporarily sends Real Madrid back to the top of the table ahead of Barcelona’s clash with Sevilla on Sunday. Villarreal, meanwhile, stay third despite the defeat.