MADRID: Real Madrid lost 3-2 to Villarreal in a thrilling La Liga match a week before their much-anticipated Champions League match against Chelsea.
Madrid’s early lead lost due to Samuel Chukwueze’s captivating performance.
Chukwueze’s brace stole the show from Real Madrid’s heroic comeback. After the loss, Real Madrid is 12 points behind Barcelona, who play Girona next.
Real Madrid’s title ambitions shattered when Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze scored twice and curled in the winner. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior’s single goal wasn’t enough to draw a draw.
Carlo Ancelotti made six changes to rest his stars before the Chelsea match. With hopes of a quick start, the Italian coach kept Karim Benzema, Rodrygo, and Vinicius. Pepe Reina stopped Benzema and Rodrygo, while Thibaut Courtois stopped Alex Baena.
Chukwueze beat Nacho Fernandez and Courtois to equalise. Real Madrid opened the second half strong, and Vinicius scored a great goal after outdribbling Aissa Mandi. Real Madrid’s hopes of a point crushed when Chukwueze’s second of the night curled into the top corner from outside the area.
VAR replays overturned a late Real Madrid penalty. Real Madrid is 12 points behind Barcelona and cannot win La Liga after this loss. Villarreal finished fifth, two points ahead of Real Betis. Coach Quique Setien called Chukwueze “extraordinary player who is giving us a lot.” Real Madrid defender Lucas Vazquez acknowledged that the league is complicated but showed confidence in winning two additional competitions.
