Vinicius double helps Real to 3-1 home win over Villarreal

LaLiga - Real Madrid v Villarreal - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - October 4, 2025 Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior scores their second goal from the penalty spot REUTERS/Juan Medina

Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr scored twice before a late finish from Kylian Mbappe wrapped up a 3-1 home victory over Villarreal, who finished with 10 men in Saturday’s LaLiga clash.

Real now sit top on 21 points, two clear of Barcelona who visit Sevilla on Sunday. Villarreal are third on 16 points.

Xabi Alonso's side broke the deadlock just after the break when Vinicius picked up the ball near the left byline, drove into the box and squeezed a shot in from a tight angle that deflected off Villarreal midfielder Santi Comesana.

The Brazilian forward doubled his tally from the penalty spot in the 69th minute, having been brought down by Rafa Marin, with his effort just squeezing under goalkeeper Arnau Tenas.

However, four minutes later Villarreal proved they had come to the Santiago Bernabeu to fight as Georges Mikautadze pulled one back with a low strike from the edge of the box.

The drama continued in the 77th when Villarreal defender Santiago Mourino was sent off after a second booking for a foul on Vinicius, leaving the visitors on the back foot.

The impact was immediate as Mbappe scored Real's third in the 80th minute after Brahim Diaz broke through and laid the ball back for the Frenchman to complete the victory.