Kylian Mbappé delivered a match-winning performance for Real Madrid, netting twice as they came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Villarreal on Saturday, temporarily taking the top spot in LaLiga.
Villarreal struck first in the seventh minute when Álex Baena’s corner deflected off Aurélien Tchouaméni, setting up Juan Foyth for an easy finish from close range.
However, Real Madrid responded swiftly, equalizing just 10 minutes later. A blocked effort from Brahim Díaz found its way to Mbappé, who wasted no time slotting it home.
The French star doubled his tally six minutes later, racing onto a precise through ball from Lucas Vázquez before calmly finding the net, his 20th league goal of the season.
Mbappé nearly completed a hat-trick in the second half after connecting with Vinícius Júnior’s pass, but the offside flag denied him.
Reflecting on the team’s schedule, coach Carlo Ancelotti remarked, “It’s the last time we’ll play a game with less than 72 hours’ rest,” referencing their intense Champions League penalty shootout win over Atlético Madrid just days earlier.
With this victory, Real Madrid now lead LaLiga with 60 points, sitting three points ahead of Barcelona, who have a game in hand and are set to face third-placed Atlético Madrid on Sunday.
