Mbappé's two goals against Villarreal propel Real Madrid to the top of La Liga.

Mbappé's two goals against Villarreal propel Real Madrid to the top of La Liga.

Despite a change in coaching and some disappointing performances that frustrated its supporters, Real Madrid ascended to the top of La Liga after Kylian Mbappé netted two goals in a 2-0 victory against Villarreal on Saturday.

Mbappé found the net early in the second half and converted a penalty in injury time, ensuring that Madrid moved two points ahead of Barcelona, which must defeat the last-placed Real Oviedo at home on Sunday to regain the top position.

These goals marked Mbappé’s 20th and 21st in La Liga, making him the leading scorer with 21 goals in 20 matches.

Madrid has remained competitive with Barcelona, despite not meeting the expectations of its demanding executives and fans.

The club dismissed coach Xabi Alonso following a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final two weeks ago, and the team subsequently faced an embarrassing elimination by a lower-division team in the Copa del Rey during the debut of his successor, Álvaro Arbeloa.

The abrupt coaching change and subpar performances led to fan protests during Madrid’s last two home matches, which were both victories in La Liga and the Champions League.

However, a loss by Barcelona to Real Sociedad last weekend allowed Madrid to take the lead at Villarreal. Now, Arbeloa has overseen three consecutive comfortable wins.

Arbeloa commended Mbappé and fellow forward Vinícius Júnior, whose sharp play contributed to both goals. Vinícius faced significant criticism from fans at the Santiago Bernabéu this week.

“They are two of the best players in the world; they dismantle defenses, and we aim to provide them with as many opportunities as possible,” Arbeloa stated. “Winning at this venue is a significant achievement, and it is due to the efforts of all my players.

Villarreal still has one more match to play, yet it has fallen to fourth place, trailing Madrid by 10 points.

Senegal's hero returns for Villarreal

Pape Gueye, celebrated for his extra-time goal that secured Senegal's victory over Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final last week, has rejoined Villarreal’s starting lineup.

Gueye’s long-range attempt from outside the box narrowly missed during the host's best opportunity in the first half.

Morocco forward Brahim Díaz, who failed to convert a penalty that could have given Morocco a late lead in stoppage time, came on as a second-half substitute for Madrid.

Mbappé capitalizes on a misplayed clearance

Mbappé seized a loose ball to score in the 47th minute. Vinícius Júnior dribbled to the end line on the left and his squared pass was deflected by Gueye. However, Mbappé was quickest to react and struck it past goalkeeper Luiz Júnior.

Gerard Moreno had an excellent opportunity to equalize for Villarreal in the 63rd minute when a set piece left him unmarked in the center of the area, but he shot over the bar.

Mbappé successfully converted the penalty he earned after being fouled by Alfonso Pedraza.

Villarreal lost Argentine defender Juan Foyth to a left leg injury during the first half.

Espanyol remains in a slump

Valencia narrowly defeated Espanyol 3-2 after the referee awarded a controversial penalty to the hosts in injury time, ruling that Rubén Sánchez had fouled Lucas Beltrán.

The video review did not overturn the original decision, despite evidence suggesting that Beltrán collided with Sánchez before going down.

Largie Ramazani successfully converted the decisive penalty, extending fifth-placed Espanyol’s winless streak to four matches.

Tight competition in the lower half of the table

Sevilla rallied to secure a 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao at home, ending a five-match winless streak.

Osasuna also triumphed over Rayo Vallecano with a score of 3-1, moving up to eighth place.

Only four points separate Osasuna from Getafe, who are positioned in 17th place, in a tightly contested lower half of the table that also includes Rayo, Sevilla, and Athletic.