Madrid, Spain: Real Madrid reclaimed the top spot in La Liga on Sunday with a convincing 4-1 victory over Villarreal, but the win was overshadowed by a potentially serious knee injury to star defender David Alaba.
Goals Galore:
The Merengues dominated the match from start to finish, with Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz, and Luka Modric all finding the net. Bellingham opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a powerful header from a Modric cross, extending his league-leading tally to 13 goals. Rodrygo doubled the lead just before halftime, capping off a blistering run of form that has seen him score five goals in his last six games.
Diaz and Modric Join the Party:
After the break, Brahim Díaz continued the party in the 57th minute, finishing off a clinical counter-attack with a composed finish. The icing on the cake came from the evergreen Modric, who curled a delightful free-kick into the top corner in the 72nd minute.
Top of the Table, but Injury Woes Linger:
The win sees Real Madrid climb one point above Girona at the top of the table, with defending champions Barcelona seven points adrift after their 1-1 draw with Valencia. However, the celebrations were muted following Alaba’s injury in the first half. The Austrian international twisted his knee awkwardly while challenging for the ball and had to be helped off the field.
Rodrygo on the Win and Alaba’s Injury:
“It’s always good to open a gap to Barcelona,” said Rodrygo. “But seven points is not a lot, there is still a lot of league left. We have to keep this mindset and keep trying to win every match.” However, the Brazilian forward admitted that Alaba’s injury was a major concern. “He was sad at halftime,” Rodrygo said. “We have to wait for the tests but it’s something that worries us.”
Injury Crisis Deepens:
Alaba’s injury adds to Real Madrid’s growing list of concerns, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Éder Militão already sidelined with serious knee problems. Ancelotti and his team will be hoping for positive news from the medical staff, as they look to maintain their title charge in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead:
Real Madrid will now turn their attention to their Champions League clash against Inter Milan on Wednesday before returning to La Liga action against Sevilla next weekend. With a crucial run of games coming up, Ancelotti will be hoping to have a fully fit squad at his disposal as he aims to solidify the Merengues’ position at the top of the table.
