Live Blog: Villarreal vs Real Madrid – Live Coverage of Matchday 21 in LaLiga

Álvaro Arbeloa’s Real Madrid have gained some breathing room, but face a crucial test against the Yellow Submarine at La Cerámica.

The match ends and Real Madrid wins

With a brace from Mbappé, Los Blancos are top of La Liga.

Goal for Real Madrid!

90+ 4 Mbappé chips the ball and finishes down the middle.

Penalty for Real Madrid

Mbappé went down in the box and it could be a brace for the Frenchman.

Villarreal are putting pressure on Real Madrid

Marcelino's men are creating chances, but they've let down the final touch.

Contrast between Pape Gueye and Brahim Díaz

Pape Gueye is celebrated by Villarreal after winning AFCON 2025 with Senegal Meanwhile Brahim Díaz, after losing with Morocco, sits visibly down on the Real Madrid bench

Goal for Real Madrid!

47' Kylian Mbappé pounces on a rebound after a play by Vinicius and scores to make it 1-0.

The second half is underway

Only 45 minutes remain between Villarreal and Real Madrid.

The match has ended at the Estadio de La Cerámica

Villarreal and Real Madrid drew 0-0 in an entertaining game.

Pape Gueye honored by Villarreal

The Senegalese player honored after winning the AFCON 2025 title

Villarreal vs Real Madrid kicks off

The ball is rolling at the Estadio de La Cerámica.

Mbappé and Vinicius start in Real Madrid

Villarreal's line up

The LaLiga title race is heating up once again, and a Real Madrid victory on Matchday 21 of Spain’s top flight could open the door to overtaking Barcelona at the top of the table, with Barça currently holding just a one-point lead.

How Villarreal and Real Madrid arrive for this LaLiga clash

Real Madrid’s situation has taken a positive turn following Xabi Alonso’s departure. Under Arbeloa, Los Blancos have smiled again after an important win over Levante in the previous league matchday and a convincing victory over Monaco in the Champions League.

Marcelino García Toral’s Villarreal are enjoying a strong season overall and sit third in the standings with 41 points. However, recent results have not been ideal. In LaLiga, Villarreal lost away to Real Betis and also suffered a home defeat against Ajax in the Champions League.

Projected lineups at La Cerámica

Villarreal: Luiz Júnior; Pau Navarro, Juan Foyth, Renato Veiga, Pedraza; Dani Parejo, Gueye, Tajon Buchanan, Alberto Moleiro; Gerard Moreno, George Mikautadze.

Real Madrid: Courtois; Fede Valverde, Raúl Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Camavinga, Güler, Bellingham; Mastantuono, Vinícius, Mbappé.