Kylian Mbappe scores twice as Real Madrid beat Villarreal 2-0 to go top of La Liga and intensify the title race with Barcelona.
Real Madrid moved to the top of La Liga with a controlled 2-0 victory at Villarreal. Kylian Mbappe scored twice in the second half to decide a tense contest. The win briefly lifted Madrid two points clear of Barcelona. It also extended the strong start of Alvaro Arbeloa’s early tenure.
The first half offered few clear chances for either side. Villarreal pressed well and restricted space between the lines. Madrid saw more of the ball but lacked penetration. Arda Guler forced a routine save, while Papa Gueye went close at the other end.
The breakthrough arrived two minutes into the second half. Vinicius Junior burst down the left and cut the ball back into danger. A defensive clearance fell kindly for Mbappe, who finished from close range. The goal shifted momentum firmly towards the visitors.
Villarreal responded with greater urgency after conceding. Gerard Moreno missed a huge chance in the 62nd minute when unmarked. His effort flew over the bar from inside the area. That miss proved costly as Madrid regained control.
Madrid stayed patient as Villarreal pushed forward. In stoppage time Mbappe was fouled inside the box by Alfonso Pedraza. The Frenchman stepped up and calmly clipped a Panenka down the middle. The penalty confirmed the points and capped a clinical display.
Madrid created 1.58 expected goals from 14 shots. Villarreal managed just eight attempts with 0.58 expected goals. Thibaut Courtois faced little serious danger throughout. Madrid also kept another first half clean sheet in league play this year. They are the only team in Europe’s top five leagues yet to concede a shot on target in the first half of a match in 2026.
Mbappe’s movement and composure made the difference when it mattered. Vinicius caused constant problems despite not scoring. Jude Bellingham worked tirelessly in midfield to disrupt Villarreal rhythm. Franco Mastantuonio won the second-most dules (nine) and the second-most tackles (three). He also regained possession six times. Villarreal faded once their key chances passed.
Barcelona’s shock defeat to Real Sociedad last weekend reopened the door. Real had trailed by four points when La Liga resumed in January. Consecutive Madrid wins, combined with Barcelona’s slip, changed the picture. The gap is now narrow enough to apply real pressure.
Madrid have won three straight games in all competitions under Arbeloa. Confidence has grown steadily after early setbacks. Defensive solidity has returned, giving attackers freedom. The squad looks calmer and more focused at key moments.
Madrid now wait on Barcelona’s home game against Real Oviedo. A Barcelona win would restore them to top spot. Madrid must maintain consistency with tough fixtures ahead. With months still to play, the title race feels wide open again. Madrid turn their attention to the Champions League where they travel to Portugal to face former coach Jose Mourinho and his Benfica side before hosting Rayo Vallecano next weekend in league action. Fourth-placed Villarreal travel to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League looking for their first win the competition before playing Osasuna in La Liga.
