Vinicius Junior scored twice as Real Madrid rebounded from a humiliating loss to neighbors Atletico Madrid last weekend by defeating Villarreal 3-1 on Saturday to take the lead in La Liga.
After a disappointing first half in which the Real players were booed off the pitch, Vinicius broke the deadlock 90 seconds into the second stanza.
The Brazilian forward received a flick-on from Kylian Mbappe, cut inside from the left flank, and fired a shot that took a huge deflection off Santi Comesana before flying past Villarreal goalkeeper Arnau Tenas at the near post.
Vinicius was Madrid’s major danger, and in the 69th minute, he drew a penalty beneath Tenas’ dive when Rafa Marin bundled him over in the box.
However, Villarreal posed a threat on the break throughout the game, and seconds after England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who started on the bench, was denied a one-on-one by Tenas, Georgia striker Georges Mikautadze halved the deficit with a powerful strike past Thibaut Courtois into the bottom corner.
Villarreal full-back Santiago Mourino received a second yellow card for hauling back Vinicius, and three minutes later, Mbappe secured the victory for Real by converting Brahim Diaz’s selfless cut-back.
The sight of Mbappe staggering off the pitch moments later with what appeared to be a foot injury dampened the celebration.
Real has 21 points after eight games, two more than Barcelona, which faces Sevilla on Sunday (15:15 BST). Villarreal remains third with 16 points.
