Lacklustre Real Madrid frustrated by Villarreal

Dropped points for Spain's leading pair allowed Sevilla to make up some ground at the top, with Julen Lopetegui's side beating Espanyol 2-0 to jump above Atletico and into second. Atletico had earlier slipped to their first loss of the season at Alaves who struck their first win, having lost all of their previous five games and failed to score in any of the previous four.

It meant Real Madrid could have gone five points clear by beating Villarreal but settled for a three-point lead after a scruffy performance came in stark contrast to their slick 6-1 thrashing of Mallorca in midweek. Marco Asensio scored three and Karim Benzema two in that game but both were quiet at the Santiago Bernabeu, where Carlo Ancelotti got his wish for tighter defending, but at the expense of his team's fluidity in attack.

Villarreal, meanwhile, remain unbeaten yet have their own problems in front of goal, this their fifth draw from their opening six games, which is enough only for 10th. They were the better side in the first half, spearheaded by their two speedy wingers in Danjuma on the right and Yeremy Pino on the left.

Danjuma surged past Fede Valverde but his shot was tipped wide by Thibaut Courtois before Pino then created a chance for Paco Alcacer before Francis Coquelin's follow-up was blocked.

Madrid were restricted to shots from distance as Benzema and Valverde tried their luck while the fans were most animated by an optimistic penalty appeal after Nacho Fernandez was blocked off.

After half-time, Madrid improved, Benzema and Eder Militao both going close with headers while Villarreal looked dangerous too, Danjuma forcing another Courtois save on the break before Pau Torres was inches away from tapping in at the back post.

Ancelotti brought on Eden Hazard and Madrid turned the screw in the last 10 minutes as Hazard crossed for Isco but his header was hacked away. Vinicius cut inside and looked to have the opening, but blazed over.

 

September 25, 2021