Real Madrid bounced back from their first defeat in nearly 10 months by securing a 2-0 victory over Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday. However, the match may have come at a cost, as right back Dani Carvajal suffered an injury.
Goals from Federico Valverde and Vinícius Júnior ensured the defending champions won just four days after losing to Lille 1-0 in the Champions League, which snapped a 36-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Madrid’s triumph also extended their unbeaten streak to 41 consecutive games in the Spanish league.
With this win, Madrid matched Barcelona’s points total of 21, as the Catalan club is set to face Alaves on Sunday.
Carvajal’s injury occurred in stoppage time when he fell after colliding with an opponent. He appeared to signal a serious injury and was visibly upset while being stretchered off the field. Coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed concern over the situation, indicating that Carvajal might have sustained a significant knee injury and acknowledging the impact of such injuries on the team.
“Carvajal is a key player for us because of his experience and his attitude,” Ancelotti emphasized about the 32-year-old defender who has been with the club since the 2013-14 season.
Villarreal, currently third in the standings and coming off two wins, managed only one shot on target throughout the match, while Madrid scored on both of their attempts. Valverde opened the scoring with a deflected shot in the 14th minute, followed by Vinícius finding the top corner from outside the box in the 72nd minute.
In another match, Celta Vigo’s striker Iago Aspas was sent off during their 1-0 win against last-placed Las Palmas. Aspas received two yellow cards in rapid succession for protesting a red card issued to teammate Ilaix Moriba. Despite being down two players, Celta held on for the win, with Borja Iglesia scoring the only goal in the 28th minute. This victory ended a three-match winless streak for Celta.
Las Palmas continues to struggle, remaining without a win in 23 consecutive league matches, a streak that dates back to last season.
In additional matches, Rayo Vallecano defeated Valladolid 2-1, Espanyol won 2-1 against Mallorca, and Osasuna drew 1-1 with Getafe.