BARCELONA, Spain (AP) – Despite a managerial change and some poor play that frustrated fans, Kriyan Mbappé scored twice against Villarreal on Saturday, sending Real Madrid back to the top of La Liga.
Mbappé 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.
club Manager Xabi Alonso sacked After losing to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final two weeks ago, the team suffered a humiliating defeat to a second-division team in the Copa del Rey in his replacement’s debut. Alvaro Arbeloa.
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.
Arbeloa praised Mbappé and fellow forward Vinicius Junior for their sharp play with the ball that led to both goals. Vinicius received the worst heckler This week at the Santiago Bernabéu.
“They are two of the best players in the world and they break down defenses. We will try to give them as many touches as possible,” Arbeloa said. “There are a lot of benefits to winning on this ground and it’s all down to the work of all the players.”
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 Dias 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.
Mbappe jumps on the failed clearance
In the 47th minute, Mbappé dove on a loose ball and scored a goal. Vinicius Junior dribbled his way to the left end line and his square pass was deflected by Gueye. However, Mbappé 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.
Mbappe converted a penalty after tripping Alfonso Pedraza.
Villarreal lost Argentina national team defender Juan Foyth to a left leg injury in the first half.
Espanyol remains stagnant
Valencia beat Espanyol 3-2 after the referee awarded a questionable penalty in stoppage time after Ruben Sanchez was adjudged to have fouled Lucas Beltrán.
A video review made it clear that Beltrán had made contact with Sanchez before the fall, but did not reverse the original decision.
Raji Ramazani scored the winning goal, extending fifth-placed Espanyol’s winless streak to four games.
The bottom half of the table is tight
Sevilla won 2-1 at home against Athletic Bilbao. Sevilla now have a five-game winless streak.
Osasuna also won 3-1 against Rayo Vallecano, moving them up to 8th place.
Osasuna and Getafe are in 17th place, with four points difference between them, with Rayo, Sevilla and Athletic at the bottom of the table.
one minute silence A vigil was held before kick-off at all games this weekend for the victims. two deadly train accidents This week in Spain.
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