Vinicius Junior's brace demolishes Villarreal: Madrid's title credentials on full display

Pflichttermin Futmetrix-Wertung: 100/100. Against third-place Villarreal, this was a six-pointer that defined Real Madrid's title ambitions—and the hosts answered with devastating authority.

Relentless intensity from the opening whistle

The Bernabéu witnessed a masterclass in intensity from Real Madrid. Dominating 70% possession, the hosts suffocated Villarreal with a clarity of purpose that bordered on clinical. The statistics tell the brutal story: 26 shots to 9, with 7 on target against Villarreal's 2. This wasn't luck—it was systematic, suffocating control.

Vinicius Junior was the cutting edge of that dominance. His brace—a brilliant open-play finish in the 47th (set up by Mbappé) and a penalty in the 69th—set the tone for a performance where Madrid simply outclassed their visitors. With 6 key passes and a 9.9 rating, the Brazilian didn't just score: he dismantled.

Chaos erupts: Mouriño's red card shifts the narrative

When the match seemed destined to be a procession, Santiago Mouriño was sent off in the 77th for a cynical foul. Suddenly, Villarreal faced an uphill battle with 10 men. G. Mikautadze, introduced at halftime, struck in the 73rd for a fleeting moment of hope (1-3 at that point). It proved merely a consolation. Brahim Díaz, another substitute, assisted Mbappé for the 3-1 seal in the 81st minute.

Three goals in 12 minutes (69-81) exposed Villarreal's defensive fragility. While Madrid executed with surgical precision, their opponents crumbled under balance of pressure. The scoreline became a rout.

Stakes clarified: Madrid pulls clear in the title race

This victory extends Madrid's lead to 5 points over Villarreal (21 vs 16). In a tight title race, this was a character test the hosts passed with flying colors. Villarreal, despite arriving third, had no tactical answers nor the physical resilience to compete.