US EditionMbappe Double Powers Real Madrid Past Villarreal to Top of LaLiga
- On Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, Real Madrid beat Villarreal 2-0 in Villarreal, Spain.
- The club fired coach Xabi Alonso after the Spanish Super Cup loss two weeks ago and promoted Álvaro Arbeloa; fan protests followed poor play, yet recent results including 21 away points and a Champions League win over Monaco kept belief at Real Madrid.
- Kylian Mbappé pounced on a loose ball to score in the 47th minute after Vinícius Júnior's run and a Pape Gueye deflection, then won and converted an injury-time penalty for his La Liga-leading 20th and 21st goals in 20 appearances.
- The result moved Madrid two points clear of Barcelona in the title race, while Villarreal dropped to fourth place, 10 points behind Real Madrid despite a strong home record.
- A minute of silence was held before kickoff for train wreck victims in Spain, and Villarreal started Pape Gueye after his Africa Cup of Nations-winning goal, but lost Juan Foyth to injury.
74 Articles
74 Articles
Two goals of French striker Kylian Mbappé, in the second half, allowed Real Madrid to win in its visit to Villarreal.
readingeagle
By JOSEPH WILSON BARCELONA (AP) — Despite a change of coach and a poor game that bothered his fans, Real Madrid returned to the top of La Liga later thanks to a double by Kylian Mbappé in the victory on Saturday 2-0 over Villarreal. Mbappé scored at the beginning of the second half and added a penalty in discount time to ensure that Madrid placed two points above Barcelona, which will need to beat the colista Real Oviedo at home on Sunday to reg…
Real Madrid went to the provisional leadership of the Spanish Football League, winning out the Villarreal by 2-0, pressing the FC Barcelona campaign.
Real Madrid players celebrated with joy the victory against Villarreal after winning in "one of the most difficult exits".
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