Real Madrid Dominates Villarreal 3-1: Top 10 Performers Shine in Commanding Victory
Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid secured a cozy 3-1 victory over Villarreal on Sunday, showcasing a dominant performance built on precise passing, relentless pressure, and individual brilliance. Joselu was the standout performer, scoring twice - once from open play and another from the penalty spot – before Kylian Mbappé added a late goal to seal the win. While Georges mikautadze briefly offered Villarreal hope with a well-struck goal, Real Madrid’s control proved insurmountable. Here’s a look at the ten players who most impacted the match:
1. Joselu: the match-winner, Joselu’s two goals were pivotal. He converted a penalty and scored from open play, demonstrating his clinical finishing.
2. Vinícius Júnior: Delivering an all-encompassing display from the left flank, Vinícius led all players with six key passes, 110 total touches, and 78 touches in the final third. he also matched his six ball recoveries with six successful take-ons, contributing both offensively and defensively. his performance generated 0.56 xT (expected threat).
3. Álvaro Carreras: A structurally vital presence, Carreras topped the match with 14 progressive passes and added five ball recoveries. he maintained a 91% pass completion rate and a 0.70 xT gain, balancing forward initiative with defensive reliability.
4. Franco Mastantuono: The teenage midfielder delivered another encouraging performance, registering 10 progressive carries, 36 touches in the final third, and three take-ons. His 0.69 xT gain placed him among the game’s most influential creators, alongside four defensive recoveries.
5. Aurélien Tchouaméni: Anchoring the midfield, Tchouaméni led all players with an extraordinary 97.1% pass completion rate, dictating the tempo and ensuring consistent ball retention.
6. Kylian mbappé: The French superstar capped off the victory with a late goal, adding to Real Madrid’s already comfortable lead. He also contributed three key passes.
7. Dean Huijsen: The defender showcased remarkable distribution, completing 94.7% of his passes and contributing to Madrid’s build-up play from the back.
8. Jude Bellingham: A key figure in midfield, Bellingham maintained a 93.8% pass completion rate, demonstrating his reliability in possession and contributing to the team’s overall control.
9.Dani Ceballos: Ceballos continued the theme of midfield mastery, completing 91.9% of his passes and ensuring consistent ball retention through the spine of the team.
10.Nicolás Pépé (Villarreal): Despite playing for the losing side, Pépé was villarreal’s top performer, finishing with a 95% pass completion rate and four take-ons. Though, Villarreal’s inability to translate progression into final-third presence limited his impact.
Real Madrid’s control of possession was evident in the statistics, with six players completing at least 90% of their passes. While Villarreal had moments through Pépé and Thomas Partey, their influence waned under Madrid’s sustained territorial control. The victory underscores Real Madrid’s tactical precision and growing confidence under Xabi alonso, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with.
