Real Madrid surged to the top of La Liga on October 4, 2025, with a 3-1 victory over Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu. Vinicius Junior scored twice, and Kylian Mbappe added a goal, pushing Los Blancos two points ahead of Barcelona. This win rebounds from a 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid last week.
The first half saw cautious play. Teenage star Franco Mastantuono nearly scored, but Villarreal’s Renato Veiga blocked his shot. At the other end, Thibaut Courtois made a stunning save against Tani Oluwaseyi. Then, early in the second half, Vinicius opened the scoring. His shot deflected off Santi Comesana, beating goalkeeper Arnau Tenas.
Later, Vinicius won and converted a penalty after Rafa Marin’s foul. Although Tenas nearly stopped it, the ball slipped through. Villarreal responded with a goal from Georges Mikautadze, but their hopes faded when Santiago Mourino received a red card for pushing Vinicius. Soon after, Brahim Diaz set up Mbappe for his ninth league goal, sealing the win.
🚨🇪🇸 VINICIUS JR OPENS THE SCORING FOR REAL MADRID!
Real Madrid 1-0 Villarreal.pic.twitter.com/sor1tP8XIa
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) October 4, 2025Vinicius told Real Madrid TV, “I played well and want to keep this confidence.” Coach Xabi Alonso praised him, saying, “Vini was decisive. I’m happy for him.” However, Mbappe left grimacing with ankle discomfort. Alonso noted, “We’ll see how it goes,” but confirmed Mbappe’s France national team trip.
🚨🇪🇸 MBAPPE MAKES IT THREE FOR REAL MADRID !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Real Madrid 3-1 Villarreal.pic.twitter.com/duFI1sV7ZQ
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) October 4, 2025Villarreal’s Comesana criticised referee decisions, calling the penalty and red card soft. “It’s hard to win at the Bernabeu with these calls,” he told DAZN.
Alonso adjusted the lineup post-Champions League travel, placing Fede Valverde at right-back due to injuries to Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Jude Bellingham, benched again, came on late but was denied by Tenas. This win boosts Madrid’s momentum before the international break.
