MADRID – Real Madrid displayed their class with a dominant 4-1 victory over Villarreal, orchestrated by a stellar performance from Luka Modric. However, the win was overshadowed by a significant injury to defender David Alaba.
Madrid, bouncing back from a draw against Real Betis, saw Modric in sublime form. The veteran midfielder’s assist set up Jude Bellingham for the opener in the 25th minute. Bellingham’s header, his 13th goal of the season, established him as LaLiga’s top scorer.Rodrygo doubled Madrid’s lead in the 37th minute, converting from a Modric corner. Initially flagged offside, VAR correctly overturned the decision.
The victory was marred by injury concerns, with Alaba sustaining an ACL tear in the first half. This setback adds to Real’s injury list, which already includes Éder Militão and Thibaut Courtois. Ferland Mendy also exited with an injury, compounding Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive challenges.
Villarreal briefly threatened a comeback with José Morales scoring in the 54th minute. However, Brahim Díaz’s individual brilliance in the 64th minute restored Madrid’s two-goal cushion. Modric then capped his magnificent display with a goal four minutes later, highlighting his vital role in the team.
Ancelotti expressed concern over the team’s injury situation but remained optimistic, emphasizing the squad’s resilience and ability to exceed expectations.
The victory propels Real Madrid to the top of LaLiga with 42 points, one ahead of Girona and seven clear of third-placed Barcelona. Villarreal, despite their efforts, couldn’t withstand Madrid’s quality and now face an uphill battle in the league.
Real Madrid’s commanding win over Villarreal showcased their depth and tactical prowess, with Modric’s masterclass at the forefront. However, the growing injury list, particularly Alaba’s ACL tear, poses a significant challenge as Madrid continues their title defense. Despite the setbacks, Ancelotti’s side has shown resilience and a winning mentality, crucial for their campaign in LaLiga and beyond.
