DDespite a managerial change and some poor play that frustrated fans, Kylian Mbapp’s brace against Villarreal on Saturday put Real Madrid back at the top of La Liga.
Mbapp scored early in the second half and added a penalty in stoppage time to give Madrid a two-point lead over Barcelona. To regain the top spot, they must defeat bottom-place Real Oviedo at home on Sunday.
These were Mbappé’s La Liga-leading 20th and 21st goals in 20 appearances for the French star.
Madrid remain close to Barcelona despite falling short of the standards of the club’s demanding executives and supporters.
The club sacked manager Xabi Alonso after losing to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final two weeks ago, but his replacement Lubalo Arbeloa’s debut saw the team suffer a humiliating defeat against a second-tier side in the Copa del Rey.
The sudden change of manager and poor quality of play sparked fan protests during Madrid’s last two home games, which saw them win La Liga and the Champions League.
However, Barcelona’s loss to Real Sociedad last weekend opened the door for Madrid to advance against Villarreal. And now, Arbeloa has won three straight games.
Villarreal still has one game left, but they have fallen to fourth place, 10 points behind Madrid.
Senegalese hero returns to Villarreal
Pape Gueye, who became Senegal’s hero in last week’s African Cup of Nations final with an extra-time goal to defeat Morocco, has returned to Villarreal’s starting XI.
Gueye fired a long shot from outside the area, but missed the biggest chance of the first half.
Morocco forward Brahim Daz missed a penalty late in stoppage time that could have given Morocco the lead, but he came on for Madrid midway through the second half.
Mbap jumps on the failed clearance.
Mbappu jumped on a loose ball and scored in the 47th minute. Vincius Jr. dribbled his way to the left end line and his square pass was deflected by Gueye. However, Mbappu was quickest to reach the ball and smash it under goalkeeper Luis Junior.
Villarreal had a great chance to equalize in the 63rd minute when Gerard Moreno stood alone in the center of the area on a set piece, but he scored a high.
Mbapp converted the penalty after tripping Alfonso Pedraza.
Villarreal lost Argentina national team defender Juan Foyth to a left leg injury in the first half.
