A sign on the wall. After four minutes of play, Francis Coquelin appeared completely alone in front of Real Madrid’s goal. Fortunately for our national number 1, the 31-year-old French midfielder mainly turned himself crazy with his pirouette (watch below).
The start of a difficult evening for Real Madrid, who defended childishly and forgot to finish their own chances.
Just after the break, Ferland Mendy handed the ball in midfield just like that. Gerard Moreno thanked the French wing defender, kept the overview and only played Yéremi Pino free in front of goal. The young Spaniard did not hesitate and placed the leather out of Courtois’ reach.
A deserved lead for Villarreal, which was only put in danger for two minutes – by a game of handball. Benzema first received a penalty after feather-light hand play from Juan Foyth, less than 90 seconds later Moreno was also allowed to kick an eleven meter after Alaba slipped.
Both strikers showed their torment instinct: 2-1.
In the final phase of the match, Real Madrid tried to roll out a final offensive with a series of substitutions – without Hazard – but the change of the guard brought little relief.
Real Madrid loses so valuable points in the title fight with Barcelona, that tomorrow against Atlético Madrid can only climb into the lead.
Poets …
… brush again
