Mbappe’s brace fires Real Madrid back to La Liga Summit at Villarreal

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Kylian Mbappé delivered a clinical double as Real Madrid overcame a determined Villarreal side 2-0 at the Estadio de la Cerámica, reclaiming top spot in La Liga and extending their unbeaten run under interim leadership.

The French superstar opened the scoring in the 47th minute, pouncing on a rebound inside the box to rifle a low shot past Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Júnior into the middle of the net.

Mbappé sealed the victory in stoppage time by converting a confidently taken penalty after a foul in the area, sending the ball past the keeper’s outstretched arm for his 21st La Liga goal of the season, leading the division’s scoring charts in just 20 appearances.

Real Madrid, who entered the match in strong form with three consecutive wins, controlled proceedings despite Villarreal’s early pressure and set-piece threats.

Villarreal created promising moments-Gerard Moreno’s first-time effort flew just wide, and a precise shot from Alberto Moleiro was comfortably saved by Thibaut Courtois, but lacked the cutting edge to breach a solid Madrid defense anchored by Courtois.

The visitors’ attacking threat was evident throughout: Vinícius Júnior tested the woodwork with a drive inches wide, Arda Güler forced a fine save from Luiz Júnior after a mazy run, and young Franco Mastantuono showed flashes before his substitution.

Mbappé’s poacher instinct proved decisive, underlining his seamless integration and lethal finishing since joining from Paris Saint-Germain.

The result lifts Real Madrid above Barcelona to the La Liga summit, pending Barcelona’s result on Sunday, rewarding their resilience and clinical edge in a tightly contested title race.