Real Madrid secured a narrow league victory on Saturday night away at Villarreal. The home side took an early lead, but a fired-up Kylian Mbappé set things straight before halftime, strengthening his record hunt at Real Madrid.
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Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Villarreal at Estadio de la Cerámica on Saturday night, overcoming an early scare to claim three crucial points in the La Liga title race.
The match was yet another demonstration of the team’s resilience and winning mentality, but more than anything, it was another milestone moment for Kylian Mbappé, who continued his record-breaking debut season with the club. By scoring both goals in the comeback victory, the French superstar reached 31 goals in all competitions, surpassing Brazilian legend Ronaldo in Real Madrid’s list of top scorers in their first season at the club. Only Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo, and record-holder Iván Zamorano remain ahead of him in this prestigious ranking. With at least 16 matches still to play in the season, including La Liga fixtures, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup, Mbappé is on track to set a new benchmark for an outstanding debut campaign in the famous white shirt.
The match began in dramatic fashion, with Villarreal showing no intention of sitting back against the league leaders. The home side, playing in front of a lively crowd, started with high intensity and quickly put Real Madrid under pressure. Their aggressive approach paid off early, as they took the lead in the 10th minute. A well-delivered corner kick caused confusion in the Madrid penalty area, and Juan Foyth rose highest to direct a powerful header past Andriy Lunin. It was a nightmare start for Madrid, who had looked vulnerable from set pieces in recent matches, and Villarreal took full advantage of that weakness.
Despite conceding early, Real Madrid did not panic. Carlo Ancelotti’s side remained composed, gradually increasing their tempo and looking for openings in Villarreal’s defense. With Luka Modrić orchestrating play from midfield, Madrid began to dominate possession, and it did not take long for them to find an equalizer. Just nine minutes after falling behind, they responded through their most lethal weapon. A quick combination between Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo forced Jörgensen into a save, but the rebound fell perfectly to Mbappé, who reacted instinctively to slot the ball home from close range. It was his 30th goal of the season, equaling Ronaldo’s record, and it immediately shifted the momentum in Madrid’s favor.
After leveling the score, Madrid turned up the pressure, relentlessly attacking Villarreal’s backline. The home side struggled to contain the pace and movement of Madrid’s attacking trio, with Mbappé constantly finding pockets of space to exploit. Villarreal defended with determination, but they could only hold out for so long. In the 44th minute, Mbappé produced another moment of magic to put Madrid ahead. Receiving the ball on the left side of the penalty area, he cut inside onto his right foot and unleashed a thunderous strike into the far corner. Jörgensen, who had been impressive until then, could do nothing to stop it. With that goal, Mbappé not only gave Madrid the lead but also officially overtook Ronaldo’s tally, reaching 31 goals in his first season at the club.
The second half saw Villarreal push forward in search of an equalizer, but Real Madrid’s defense held firm. Antonio Rüdiger and Dani Carvajal led by example, making crucial interceptions and keeping the home team’s attackers at bay. Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni provided vital support in midfield, breaking up Villarreal’s attacking moves and ensuring Madrid remained in control of the game’s rhythm. Although Villarreal enjoyed periods of possession, they struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Madrid defense.
Real Madrid had opportunities to extend their lead, with Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior both testing Jörgensen from distance. However, the Villarreal goalkeeper made several crucial saves to keep his team in the game. In the closing stages, Ancelotti made tactical substitutions, bringing on Federico Valverde and Joselu to add fresh energy and defensive solidity. Madrid managed the final minutes professionally, controlling possession and preventing Villarreal from creating any serious danger. When the final whistle blew, the celebrations from the Madrid players showed just how important this victory was in their quest for the La Liga title.
With this win, Real Madrid strengthened their position at the top of the table, but the title race remains far from over. Barcelona, currently three points behind, still has two games in hand, meaning Madrid cannot afford to drop points in the coming weeks. The demanding schedule continues to be a challenge for Ancelotti’s side, who had just come off a grueling Champions League Round of 16 clash against Atlético Madrid, which they won only after a dramatic penalty shootout. Fatigue could become a factor as the season progresses, and squad rotation will be crucial in keeping the team fresh for the decisive matches ahead.
For Mbappé, this was yet another night to remember. His debut season in Spain has been nothing short of extraordinary, and if he continues at this pace, he could rewrite the club’s record books. Iván Zamorano’s tally of 37 goals in his first season remains within reach, and with Madrid still fighting on multiple fronts, Mbappé will have plenty of opportunities to surpass that mark. His ability to deliver in big moments has already made him a fan favorite, and if he can lead Madrid to silverware this season, he will further cement his legacy as one of the club’s greats.
As the season enters its decisive phase, Madrid remains focused on their objectives. La Liga, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup are all still up for grabs, and Mbappé’s brilliance could be the key to turning this into one of the most memorable seasons in the club’s history. With his goalscoring form showing no signs of slowing down, and with Madrid’s winning mentality shining through once again, there is every reason for their fans to dream of another historic campaign.
