Real Madrid left Villarreal with a 2-0 victory at Estadio de la Cerámica on January 24, 2026, Kylian Mbappé scoring both goals, one just after the break and a late penalty in stoppage time, a result that temporarily put Álvaro Arbeloa’s side at the top of LaLiga.
The win came after a composed second-half performance by Madrid, who had been patient in a cautious first 45 minutes, and it exposed problems for Villarreal, who had played European football midweek and never really threatened the scoreline.
Match summary
Real Madrid took control after the interval when Vinícius Júnior’s run and cutback created a loose ball that Mbappé finished in the 47th minute. The game stayed tight until injury time, when Mbappé was fouled inside the area and calmly converted the spot kick in the fourth minute of added time to make the score safe.
Key facts
- Final score: Villarreal 0, Real Madrid 2.
- Goals: Mbappé 47', 90'+4' (penalty).
- Competition: LaLiga, match played at Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal, Spain.
- Date: January 24, 2026.
"The commitment of the players is undeniable," Arbeloa said after the match, praising the squad's collective effort and discipline.
Tactical snapshot
Madrid set out to avoid the early rushes and to punish space on the counter, relying on the pace and combination between Vinícius and Mbappé. Villarreal sought to squeeze Madrid through midfield, but fatigue after midweek continental duty and a lack of cutting edge left them light in the final third.
Formations and lineup tendencies
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Villarreal (probable): 4-2-3-1
- Compact midfield, emphasis on transitions
Real Madrid (probable): 4-3-3
- Wide outlet through Vinícius, Mbappé high and mobile
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The formations underscored a chess match of controlling tempo and looking for half-chances; Madrid were more clinical when opportunities arrived.
Match statistics (selected)
Statistic | Villarreal | Real Madrid |
|---|---|---|
Possession | 41.9% | 58.1% |
Shots (total) | 8 | 14 |
Shots on target | 1 | 4 |
Yellow cards | 3 | 1 |
Corners | 6 | 6 |
Madrid’s edge in shots on target and possession told the story even when the first half remained goalless.
Multiple viewpoints
- Real Madrid perspective: The win reinforced Madrid’s defensive shape and the effectiveness of quick transitions. Manager Álvaro Arbeloa highlighted unity, saying the squad’s collective commitment has been decisive in recent matches.
- Villarreal perspective: The hosts left frustrated, having shown glimpses of threat but lacking the final spark. Midweek European exertions were offered as a partial explanation, and the team must now regroup to halt a short run of poor results.
- Neutral analysis: Observers praised Madrid’s game management, and noted that while the match was not overflowing with chances, the margins in elite matches are fine—decisive movement, a single loose ball, and a cool penalty finish won it.
Key moments
- 47' — Vinícius creates space down the left, his cross ricochets in the box and Mbappé is quickest to finish.
- 90'+4' — Mbappé is brought down in the area, he steps up and converts a composed penalty to seal the result.
What this means for the table and next steps
- Real Madrid moved temporarily to the top of the LaLiga table after the win, taking advantage of Barcelona’s later fixture. The margin is narrow and short-term, Barcelona could reclaim the summit depending on their game in hand.
- Villarreal fall back to mid-high table contention and will need to balance league priorities with any remaining cup or European commitments.
Players and performances
- Kylian Mbappé, man of the match, delivered when it mattered, scoring twice and showing a confident finishing touch.
- Vinícius Júnior was key as a creator, his direct play provided the moment that unlocked the match.
- Villarreal’s goalkeeper and back line made timely interventions but could not prevent the decisive moments.
Wider context and reactions
Madrid’s victory arrived amid managerial change earlier in the month, and Arbeloa’s immediate task has been steadying results and restoring consistency. For Villarreal the challenge is short-term recovery, with rotation and fitness management set to be topics of discussion in training.
Immediate implications
- Madrid: momentum, confidence and a narrow lead in the title race, at least until rivals play.
- Villarreal: a reminder of the cost of fixture congestion, with the need to sharpen attacking output.
Final thoughts
The game underlined how fine margins determine results at the top level, a single precise run and a composed penalty separating two well-drilled sides. Mbappé’s double was the headline, but the match also highlighted squad work, game management and the calendar pressures clubs face when juggling domestic and continental demands.