Real Madrid throw away lead in costly defeat at home to Villarreal
Real Madrid all but handed the La Liga title to Barcelona as they let in two goals to collapse in the final 20 minutes at home to Villarreal.
Samuel Chukwueze.Madrid, with many changes to their starting lineup, went ahead thanks to a Pau Torres own goal resulting from Marco Asensio's impressive play. However, Madrid's grip on the game weakened, and Villarreal's equalizer was well-deserved.
Samuel Chukwueze scored the equalizer in style, leaving his defender behind with quick footwork and a shimmy before slotting the ball into the net. Vinicius Junior scored a brilliant solo goal three minutes into the second half, weaving his way past two defenders with a nutmeg and tapping the ball into the goal.
Villarreal once again equalized after a VAR review overturned an offside call on Jose Luis Morales. Chukwueze then sealed the victory for Villarreal with a stunning strike from outside the box, curling the ball into the top corner of the net.
In the dying minutes of the game, the hosts had a penalty overturned after a VAR review, and Asensio missed the target from a promising free-kick in the 97th minute.
Madrid are still 12 points behind Barcelona, the league leaders, even though they have played an extra game. Villarreal are only four points away from a Champions League spot.
Elsewhere, Real Sociedad strengthened their grip on fourth place with a 2-1 victory over Getafe, Athletic Bilbao kept their European hopes alive with a win at Espanyol and Osasuna beat bottom side Elche.
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