Real's loss in the league at the beginning of the new year

Real Madrid did not have a good start to the new year in La Liga. Karim Benzema, Vinicius Juniors started playing in Villarreal's field. After falling behind in the second half, there was a relief to equalize, but it also flew away in an instant. In the end, Carlo Ancelotti's team had to return with the disappointment of losing from the opponent's field.

Villarreal beat Real 2-1 at home in La Liga on Saturday.

Benzema equalized for Real after Eremi Pino put Villarreal ahead. But later Gerard Moreno's goal decided the fate of the match.

With this loss, Real missed the opportunity to return to the top of the league table. They are in second place with 38 points in 16 matches. Barcelona lead on goal difference with one game less played.


Villarreal, who had the great satisfaction of beating Real after 2018, is in fifth place with 27 points.

Villarreal, who drew in five of the last six matches against Real at home, played an exciting football game from the start.

The hosts were on the verge of a great goal in the fifth minute with a great effort, but the post was blocked. Francis Coquin's brilliant back heel flick on Moreno's cross from the left deflected off Thibaut Courtois but went wide of the far post.

Five minutes later, Luka Modric's pass was picked up by Vinicius Jr. and bounced off a defender's shoulder. But Real had no one there to take a shot. Benzema's effort then went over the crossbar.

In the 29th minute, a team-mate's back pass saw Alex Byena's shot from just the top of the box go narrowly over the crossbar.