đ Real Madrid vs Villarreal Post-Match Analysis (La Liga, October 4 2025)
Final Score: Real Madrid 3 â 1 Villarreal
Venue: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Competition: La Liga 2025/2026 Season
Date: October 4, 2025
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✠Match Summary
Real Madrid returned to winning ways with a convincing 3-1 victory over Villarreal at the Santiago BernabĂ©u. The night belonged to VinĂcius JĂșnior, who scored twice, and Kylian MbappĂ©, who sealed the win before suffering a late injury scare.
After a goalless first half dominated by Madridâs possession, the game burst into life early in the second half. VinĂcius opened the scoring in the 47th minute after a quick one-two combination with MbappĂ©. The Brazilian doubled the lead from the penalty spot midway through the half after being fouled inside the box by Villarrealâs defender Rafa MarĂn.
Villarreal responded through Georges Mikautadze, who found the net with a fine finish in the 73rd minute, giving the visitors brief hope. However, Santiago Mouriñoâs red card for a second booking in the 77th minute ended any chance of a comeback. Moments later, MbappĂ© converted from close range after a slick counter-attack led by Brahim DĂaz, securing all three points for Los Blancos.
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đ Tactical Breakdown
đ° Real Madridâs Game Plan
Carlo Ancelottiâs side approached the game with patience and composure. The first half saw Madrid create several chances but fail to capitalize. After the break, they increased the tempo, stretched Villarrealâs defense, and punished every mistake.
Wide play dominance: VinĂcius and MbappĂ© constantly switched flanks, dragging defenders out of position.
Midfield control: Bellingham and Valverde dictated tempo, pressing aggressively after every lost ball.
Clinical finishing: Madrid converted key chances when it mattered most.
Substitute impact: Brahim DĂaz added pace and creativity late on, assisting MbappĂ©âs goal.
Defensively, Eder MilitĂŁo and Antonio RĂŒdiger maintained strong positioning, while Courtois made a crucial first-half save to deny Villarrealâs early counter-attack.
đĄ Villarrealâs Approach
Villarreal started compact, aiming to frustrate Madrid and hit on the break through pace and direct passes. Their counter-attacks looked threatening early on, but poor discipline cost them dearly.
Solid early structure but lost shape once they trailed.
Mouriñoâs dismissal destroyed their defensive balance.
Mikautadzeâs goal showed their ability to exploit space behind Madridâs back line.
Villarreal struggled to maintain intensity and couldnât withstand Madridâs relentless second-half pressure.
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â Standout Players
VinĂcius JĂșnior (Real Madrid): The star of the night â two goals, constant movement, and decisive dribbling.
Kylian Mbappé: Scored his ninth goal in nine games but limped off with an ankle concern.
Brahim DĂaz: Game-changing substitute who brought creativity and energy.
Thibaut Courtois: Made vital saves to preserve Madridâs momentum.
Georges Mikautadze (Villarreal): Clinical in front of goal despite limited chances.
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â ïž Key Moments That Shaped the Game
1. 47â â VinĂcius opens the scoring after combining with MbappĂ©.
2. 69â â Penalty converted by VinĂcius following a foul by Rafa MarĂn.
3. 73â â Mikautadze pulls one back for Villarreal.
4. 77â â Mouriño sent off (second yellow card).
5. 81â â MbappĂ© finishes off a counter assisted by Brahim DĂaz.
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đ Match Statistics (Approx.)
Statistic Real Madrid Villarreal
Possession 63% 37%
Total Shots 16 8
Shots on Target 8 3
Corners 6 2
Fouls Committed 10 13
Red Cards 0 1
(Stats estimated from multiple sources)
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𧩠What This Result Means
Real Madrid climb to the top of the La Liga table with 21 points, reclaiming momentum after their recent derby defeat.
Villarreal stay in third place with 16 points and will need to tighten discipline and defensive structure in upcoming fixtures.
Injury Concern: Madrid fans will anxiously await updates on MbappĂ©âs ankle injury.
Title Race Impact: This win reinforces Madridâs early season dominance and depth, proving they can respond strongly to pressure.
