Vinicius Jr scores twice as Real Madrid beat Villarreal 3-1 to return to top of La Liga | OneFootball

Real Madrid returned to winning ways in La Liga with a 3-1 win over Villarreal at the Bernabeu Stadium on Saturday.

Manager Xabi Alonso made three changes to the team that started in the victory over Kairat Almaty.

Federico Valverde started at right-back, quelling suggestions that he is reluctant to play in a secondary position. Eder Militao and Alvaro Carreras replaced David Alaba and Fran Garcia, respectively.

There was little to separate the teams early on until Vinicius Junior whipped in a cross for Aurelien Tchouameni in the 22nd minute, but his header missed the target.

Moments later, Arder Guler almost put Madrid ahead after receiving a pass from Kylian Mbappe, but Renato Viega deflected his effort away.

Villarreal created a good chance in the 39th minute, as Alberto Moleiro’s pass put Tani Oluwaseyi through on goal, but Thibaut Courtois thwarted his effort.

Vinicius gave Madrid the lead just after the break, skipping away from his marker before striking a shot into the net, aided by a deflection.

He doubled Madrid’s advantage in the 69th minute from the penalty spot, placing his spot kick just under the armpit of goalkeeper Arnau Tenas.

Villarreal pulled one back against the run of play as Mikautadze picked out the bottom corner with a well-struck shot.

Santiago Mourino ended the visitors’ chance of staging a comeback, receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Vinicius.

Madrid capitalised on the numerical advantage to regain their two-goal lead as substitute Brahim Diaz set up Mbappe.#

Los Blancos have leapfrogged defending champions Barcelona at the top of the table, but the latter could regain top spot with a victory over Sevilla tomorrow.