Real Madrid returned to winning ways in La Liga yesterday, coming from behind to claim a 3–1 victory over Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabéu a result that sent them back to the top of the table but not without plenty of controversy, Softfootball reports.
Xabi Alonso’s men came into the contest under heavy pressure after that shocking 5–2 defeat to Atlético Madrid last weekend, a loss that brutally exposed defensive lapses and momentarily derailed their title rhythm. But in midweek, they bounced back with a ruthless 5–0 demolition of Kairat Almaty in the Champions League, restoring some belief before hosting Villarreal.
Madrid started brightly. Arda Güler fired over after a quick one-two with Mbappé, while Aurélien Tchouaméni and Franco Mastantuono both came close as Los Blancos controlled possession.
Watch Xabi Alonso’s reaction to the win in a video uploaded on the team’s official X account:
After a quiet and cagey first half, the hosts found their spark early in the second period. Vinicius Júnior finally broke the deadlock in the 48th minute with a deflected shot before winning a controversial penalty midway through the half. The Brazilian went down under minimal contact from Rafa Marín near the byline a call that divided opinion online. He stepped up and buried the spot kick, but not everyone was convinced.
One fan, @SocialBarca_10, raged:
Vinicius and Real Madrid Will ALWAYS get favored by referees. Just laughable. Look at RM’s penalty and Villareal’s red card, 2 blatant dives from Vini. Even with VAR not intervention.
Villarreal briefly threatened a comeback when Georges Mikautadze pulled one back, but their hopes were dashed minutes later as Santiago Mouriño was shown a second yellow for tugging on Vinicius during a counterattack. VAR confirmed the call, but many felt it was harsh.
As @BouafifNour posted:
I genuinely felt the game could’ve gone either way if it wasn’t for that red card. Real Madrid were better overall, but Villarreal had the momentum after their first goal and looked capable of coming back. A really poor refereeing mistake, but I hate focusing too much on those things we move, Madrid escape dropping points in a tough game, we just have to keep winning.
Another fan, @scorn_fcb, reiterated the same ideology:
Militao litereally slide tackled a villareal player without the ball but everything went on like nothing happened real madrid is really destroying football.
@BlessedGirl001, however, praised Xabi Alonso Instead for the treams improvement in the scond half.
Tweeting:
Real Madrid 3 – 1 VillaReal The first half was embarrassing. Whatever Xabi Alonso said to them during halftime really paid off in the 2nd half Vini with a Brace Mbappe now has 14 Goals already Hubby’s Team lost today against Chelsea, My Team Won against VillaReal
Kylian Mbappé later sealed the win, his 14th goal in 15 games though he limped off injured soon after. In stoppage time, Rodrygo appeared to be tripped inside the box, but no penalty was given, adding to Madrid’s frustration.
Even as rival fans claimed Militao’s rough tackle went unpunished, the main talking points remain the penalty and the red card. Madrid took all three points, but the refereeing storm will likely linger for days as some fans werent having any of it.
@christiangt80 ruthlessly reacted to via his account;
Controversy because it suits you… Hahaha. F**king idiots… 2 penalties not called and the guy sent off playing 60 minutes more than he should have, but yeah, controversial. Go f**k yourselves, c**kolds.
Regardless of how you see it Real Madrid will be very satisfied with the win, as it now guarantees them top spot following Barcelona’s loss to Sevilla.
