Mbappé Puts Real Madrid on Top of LaLiga With Pure Magic Against Villarreal

Powered by a brace from Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid secured a 2–0 victory over Villarreal at Estadio de La Cerámica on Matchday 21, a result that lifted Los Blancos to 51 points and provisional first place in LaLiga.

Mbappé reached 21 goals in 20 league matches, cementing his status as the competition’s top scorer and once again proving to be the decisive factor for the Madrid side.

The win gives Real Madrid a temporary cushion over FC Barcelona, who sit on 49 points and still have a pending match against Real Oviedo at the Spotify Camp Nou. The pressure now shifts to the Catalan club.

In the first half, the team coached by Álvaro Arbeloa struggled to break down Villarreal’s organized defense. Real Madrid controlled possession with 56.9 percent of the ball but created few clear-cut chances, with both goalkeepers largely untested.

The second half brought a clear change in tempo. Real Madrid came out with greater intensity and were rewarded almost immediately. Vinícius Jr. drove down the flank, reached the byline, and delivered a low cross that the Villarreal defense could only partially clear.

Mbappé reacted quickest, finishing clinically in the 47th minute to put the ball into the back of the net, breaking the deadlock and shifting the momentum of the match.

Villarreal attempted to respond, but Madrid managed the game effectively and sealed the result in stoppage time. Mbappé stepped up from the penalty spot and calmly chipped the ball down the middle in the 90+4’ minute, while the goalkeeper dived to his right.

With his double, Mbappé not only secured the victory but also reaffirmed his commanding influence in Real Madrid’s attack. Los Blancos now sit atop LaLiga, with the French superstar emerging as their strongest weapon in the title race.