Vinicius scores twice as Real Madrid beat Villarreal 3-1 to return to top of La Liga

Real Madrid returned to winning ways in La Liga with a 3-1 win over Villarreal at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening.Manager Xabi Alonso made three changes to the team that started in the victory over Kairat Almaty.Federico Valverde started at right-back, replacing Raul Asencio, quelling suggestions that he is reluctant to play in a secondary position. Eder Militao and Alvaro Carreras also replaced David Alaba and Fran Garcia, respectively.There was little to separate the sides early on until Vinicius Junior whipped in a cross for Aurelien Tchouameni in the 22nd minute, but the Frenchman’s header from close range could not hit the target.Moments later, Arder Guler almost gave Madrid the lead after receiving a pass from Kylian Mbappe, but his effort was deflected away by Renato Viega.Villarreal created a big chance in the 39th minute, as Alberto Moleiro’s pass put Tani Oluwaseyi through on goal, but Thibaut Courtois thwarted his effort.Two minutes after the interval, Vinicius gave Madrid the lead, skipping away from his marker before striking a shot into the net, aided by a deflection.Vinicius doubled Madrid’s advantage in the 69th minute from the penalty spot, placing his spot kick just under the armpit of goalkeeper Arnau Tenas.Four minutes later, Villarreal pulled one back against the run of play as Mikautadze picked out the bottom corner with a well-struck shot.Santiago Mourino ended the visitors’ chance of staging a comeback, receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Vinicius.Madrid capitalised on the numerical advantage to regain their two-goal lead as substitute Brahim Diaz assisted Mbappe to find the back of the net.The win sees Xabi Alonso’s side leapfrog defending champions Barcelona at the top of the table, though the Catalan club could regain top spot with a victory over Sevilla tomorrow.