Real Madrid enter the international break with three new points won against Villarreal, who arrived at the Bernabéu as third, just one point behind our team. Ancelotti’s men won thanks to two magnificent long-range strikes: the first from Valverde on a textbook action, the second from Vini Jr. with a sumptuous right shot. Real continues its 41st match without defeat in La Liga (30 wins and 11 draws). The bad news of the meeting will remain Carvajal’s injury at the last minute.
Before that, our team quickly opened the score with an action concocted by Ancelotti. While the quarter of an hour of play is not yet reached, Modrić quickly plays his corner and serves Bellingham, who fakes his defender by letting the ball pass to Valverde, who takes care of the rest. Outside the area, he fired a powerful shot, deflected by Baena, who beat Diego Conde (13′). A few moments later, Villarreal could equalize, but Pépé’s header hit the crossbar (16′).
Opportunities
Halfway through the first half, Real began to press higher and made it more difficult for the visitors to get off the ball, allowing them to quickly regain possession. De facto, on a high recovery from Camavinga, Vini Jr. gets rid of Kiko F. with a feint from a cross and unleashes a shot that almost surprises Diego Conde (31′). Even more frank is the next action of Ancelotti’s men. From a free kick taken by Modrić, Rüdiger headed the ball over the target (34′). Before returning to the locker room, Mbappé appears dangerous. Launched deep by Vini Jr., the Frenchman found himself facing the opposing goalkeeper, who managed to deflect the ball (39′).
A jewel of Vini Jr.
The second half resumed at a slower pace, with chances becoming few and far between until Vini Jr. appeared. Off-center in the area, the Brazilian is close to surprising Villarreal’s last defense with a shot at the near post which ends in the side net (70′). A simple prelude before a superb goal. Far from the surface, Vini Jr. raises his head and unleashes a heavy shot from the right which lodges in Diego Conde’s top corner (73′). Our team takes some breathing space in a complicated match before the start of the international break. The negative news comes in added time, Carvajal, visibly affected, being forced out on a stretcher and to a standing ovation.
