Real Madrid defeated Villarreal 4-1 at the Bernabeu on the evening of December 17 to return to the top of La Liga after round 17. Bellingham and Modric scored in the jubilant victory of coach Ancelotti’s team.

Welcoming Villarreal at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid is determined to win to compete for the top spot in the table with Girona. Coach Ancelotti fielded the strongest lineup with Modric and Kroos in the middle of the field, and the scoring task was given to Diaz, Bellingham, and Rodrygo.

Immediately after the opening whistle, Real Madrid pushed their squad high to find an early goal. However, Villarreal organized a tight defense, causing the “White Vultures” to somewhat deadlock in the first 20 minutes.

The highlight of the match came in the 25th minute, and the one who made the mark was Jude Bellingham. Catching Luka Modric’s pass, the English midfielder jumped high and shook his head dangerously, hitting Villarreal’s net to open the score 1-0 for Real Madrid.

Having the lead, Real Madrid was much easier to кι¢к and in the 37th minute, they doubled the gap to 2-0 with Rodrygo’s decisive strike in the penalty area.

In the second half, Villarreal found a goal to shorten the gap in the 54th minute, after a decisive кι¢к from Morales. However, that was all the “Yellow Submarine” could do at the Bernabeu, when Real Madrid played with excitement.

Brahim Diaz increased the score to 3-1 in the 64th minute and 4 minutes later, Luka Modric entered his nаme on the electronic board to bring a 4-1 victory to Real Madrid. This victory helps coach Carlo Ancelotti’s team return to the top of the 2023-24 La Liga table with 41 points, one point ahead of Girona.

Tonight, Girona will ᴜsᴜʀᴘ Real Madrid if the Catalan club defeats Alaves. In round 18 of La Liga taking place on December 22, Real Madrid will be a guest at Alaves’ stadium.

Squad

Real Madrid: Lunin, Alaba, Rudiger, Mendy, Modric, Kroos, Vazquez, Valverde, Diaz, Bellingham, Rodrygo.

Goals: Bellingham (25′), Rodrygo (37′), Diaz (64′), Modric (68′)

Villarreal: Jorgensen, Albiol, Mandi, Alti, Capoue, Parejo, Pedraza, Baena, Moreno, Morales, Akhomach.

Goal: Morales (54′)