Vinicius Fires Real Madrid to Commanding Victory Over Villarreal
(MENAFN) Real Madrid surged to the top of La Liga—at least temporarily—after a commanding 3-1 home win against Villarreal on Saturday, maintaining pressure on title rivals Barcelona ahead of their Sunday fixture.
Vinicius Jr. ignited the scoring just two minutes after the break, finding the net with a deflected effort. The Brazilian doubled the advantage in the 69th minute, converting calmly from the penalty spot.
Georges Mikautadze responded swiftly for Villarreal, narrowing the deficit in the 73rd minute with a powerful strike. But any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Santiago Mourino was dismissed shortly afterward for a second yellow, following light contact with Vinicius.
Kylian Mbappe sealed the result with a goal in the 81st minute, though he was later forced off with what appeared to be a minor physical issue.
With the win, Real Madrid moved two points clear of FC Barcelona, who travel to face Sevilla on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Athletic Bilbao edged Mallorca 2-1 at home. Inaki Williams opened the scoring in the ninth minute from the penalty spot. Despite creating several clear-cut opportunities in the first half, Athletic failed to extend their lead.
Mallorca leveled in the 77th minute when Samu Costa’s curling cross deceived keeper Unai Simon and found the far corner. However, Alejandro Rego clinched the win just five minutes later, slotting home his first goal for the club off a pullback from Jesus Areso.
In a battle between newly promoted sides, Levante overcame Oviedo 2-0 away, thanks to goals by Carlos Alvarez and Etta Eyong, scored on either side of halftime.
Girona celebrated their first win of the season with a tense 2-1 home victory over Valencia, finishing the match with just nine men. Vladyslav Vanat struck first in the 18th minute, before Diego Lopez equalized early in the second half. Arnau Martinez netted the decisive goal in the 63rd minute, but late red cards to Ivan Martin and Alejandro Frances forced Girona into a nervy finish.
On Friday night, Alejandro Catena’s stoppage-time header lifted Osasuna to a 2-1 win over Getafe. Borja Mayoral had opened the scoring for the visitors in the 23rd minute, but Abel Bretones drew level just before halftime with a spectacular long-range effort into the top corner.
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