Carlo Ancelotti and his players were dealt with a huge blow in their pursuit to reclaim the laliga title after Real Madrid fell to a 2-1 defeat against Villarreal in Castellon on Saturday evening.
Real Madrid came into the game looking to claim all three points to make sure their place on top of the table remain intact as other teams are coming close.
Villarreal took the lead through Yeremi Pino as the second half began but were soon pegged back by a Karim Benzema penalty. The lead was quickly restored by another penalty that was scored by Gerard Moreno.
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The best chance of the first half came for Villarreal early in the game as Francis Coquelin hit the frame of the goal.
There were some decent openings for Los Blancos though with the likes of Eder Militao, Vinicius Jr and Benzema all having chances to open the scoring in eastern Spain.
As soon as the second half began, Carlo Ancelotti’s side found themselves 1-0 down after Pino netted. Ferland Mendy played a stray pass into midfield which was intercepted.
Villarreal worked the ball forward quickly and found Pino on the left in the box. He steadied himself and shot with the ball finding its way into the net with the help of Mendy on the line.
On the hour mark, Real Madrid managed to get level from the spot. Vinicius Jr was calling for a handball on the goal line which wasn’t given but whilst doing the check, a previous handball was discovered. Benzema stepped up to calmly slot the penalty into the bottom right corner.
Parity lasted just three minutes though for Los Blancos because Moreno soon made it 2-1, also from the spot for a handball. Similarly to Benzema just minutes before, it was a low finish into the corner.
Real Madrid’s defeat means that Barcelona has the chance to go three points clear at the top of LaLiga Santander if they beat Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Villarreal rise to fifth in the table.
