The beauty of football wasn’t a necessity for Real Madrid in this match. In fact, it’s been a while since they’ve played the most attractive brand of football, despite being quick and defensively solid. However, the team is packed with talent and quality, and they seem to be getting better with each passing game. And in 2025, Kylian Mbappé has been showcasing why he’s a true Galáctico. Against Villarreal at the Estádio de la Cerámica, the French star scored a brace, taking his tally to 17 goals in 20 games in the calendar year, and earned three crucial points for Los Merengues. This Sunday, they’ll be watching with keen interest as Barcelona and Atlético Madrid clash, with the outcome potentially affecting their position at the top.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though, as Villarreal, fifth in LaLiga, promised to give them a run for their money – and they did just that. The hosts racked up 25 shots, 14 more than Real Madrid, and even took the lead when Juan Foyth capitalized on a mix-up in the area to beat Thibaut Courtois in the 7th minute. But the European champions responded in style, and during their best period in the game, they were clinical: first, Mbappé drew level in the 17th minute, and six minutes later, he struck again with a precise shot that gave Diego Conde no chance. The score was 2-1 at halftime, and it would remain that way until the final whistle.
Despite Mbappé’s stellar performance, another player stole the spotlight: Thibaut Courtois. The Real Madrid goalkeeper made save after save to deny Baena, Ayoze Pérez, Pepé, and Logan Costa, preventing Villarreal from equalizing. In the second half, the hosts pushed for a leveler, but Courtois remained solid, making nine saves in total to secure the three points that Mbappé had worked so hard to earn.
This result allows Real Madrid to maintain their grip on top spot for another matchday. With Atlético Madrid and Barcelona set to face off on Sunday, at least one of their title rivals will drop points, and Real Madrid has ensured they won’t be losing any ground. The pressure is on, and the title race is heating up.
Key Takeaways:
- Kylian Mbappé scored a brace to take his tally to 17 goals in 20 games in 2025.
- Thibaut Courtois made nine saves to deny Villarreal an equalizer.
- Real Madrid maintained their top spot in LaLiga ahead of the clash between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona.