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Real Madrid’s title hopes were dealt a huge blow as they lost 2-1 away at Villarreal to hand a big advantage to Barcelona in the title race. Ultimately, a penalty from Gerard Moreno ended up deciding the result of the game. Karim Benzema scored Los Blancos’ only goal from the spot as well, with the Frenchman making no mistake at the hour mark.
The statistics do not make great reading for Real Madrid either, with Villarreal having more shots and shots on target. Los Blancos edged it slightly on possession and passing.
Coming into the match, it was always going to be a tough contest. Villarreal had won five straight games before today and had looked in form in their friendlies during the World Cup break as well.
On the other hand, it does feel like a result like this was coming for Real Madrid. They could have easily lost straight after the World Cup break to Real Valladolid, if not for the heroics of Thibaut Courtois in goal and the cameo of Eduardo Camavinga off the bench. Their performance against Cacereno had left a lot to be desired as well and was just a 1-0 victory. And against Villarreal, Carlo Ancelotti’s side just could not get the job done.
They struggled before the World Cup break too and have not looked at their best after it either. And it is clear that things need to change as soon as possible.
The statistics do not make great reading for Real Madrid either, with Villarreal having more shots and shots on target. Los Blancos edged it slightly on possession and passing.
Coming into the match, it was always going to be a tough contest. Villarreal had won five straight games before today and had looked in form in their friendlies during the World Cup break as well.
On the other hand, it does feel like a result like this was coming for Real Madrid. They could have easily lost straight after the World Cup break to Real Valladolid, if not for the heroics of Thibaut Courtois in goal and the cameo of Eduardo Camavinga off the bench. Their performance against Cacereno had left a lot to be desired as well and was just a 1-0 victory. And against Villarreal, Carlo Ancelotti’s side just could not get the job done.
Do Real Madrid need to make additions in January?
One has to wonder whether the schedule is taking its toll on Real Madrid. They had made a blistering start to the campaign but have found the going tougher as the season has progressed.They struggled before the World Cup break too and have not looked at their best after it either. And it is clear that things need to change as soon as possible.