Real Madrid v Villarreal live - LaLiga latest as hosts score four in stunning performance

Real Madrid returned to the summit of the LaLiga table with a resounding 4-1 victory over Villarreal at the Bernabeu.

Madrid produced an impressive performance, despite David Alaba being forced off through a knee injury in the first half, to sweep aside Villarreal and move a point above previous leaders Girona – who face Alaves tomorrow.

Jude Bellingham netted his 17th goal of the season midway through the first half before Rodrygo doubled their lead, slamming home from a corner.

Jose Luis Morales threatened a comeback with a goal nine minutes after half-time, but the hosts hit back with a quickfire double, beginning with a stunning solo effort by Brahim Diaz, with Luka Modric rounding off the scoring four minutes later.

The defeat did little to change Villarreal’s 14th-placed status and continues their indifferent league form, contrary to their exploits in the Europa League which saw them finish as Group F leaders.

Incoming summer signing Endrick was in attendance to watch the impressive showing from Carlo Ancelotti’s side. And he will be excited by what he saw, with a relentless, high-tempo display to mark the final match at the Bernabeu in 2023.

An exciting one at the Bernabeu tonight, and Real Madrid top the LaLiga pack!

Some very strong performances all over the park from the hosts, and some stunning goals to boot.

The fourth official indicates just four minutes left of this one.

The match has fallen into somewhat of a lull with the result inevitable.

Watching on from the stands, incoming signing Endrick must be licking his lips looking at the exciting, infectious energy from Madrid today.

A good shift from Diaz, with an absolute peach of a goal to show for it. On comes Joselu. the midweek hero.

The main man Bellingham makes way, alongside Toni Kross as Ceballos and Aurelien Tchouameni enter the fray. The latter returns from injury having not played since October.

Villarreal introduce Ben Brereton Diaz in place of goalscorer Morales.

Ilias Akhomach is the latest to go into the referee's book. The visitors are having a tough time.

Such character to banish any worry of a potential comeback in this style. It's wave upon wave of Madrid attacks. Bellingham the latest to have a fine strike blocked. But there is such confidence in the side, and the fans in the ground are loving every moment.

This is becoming something of a rout. Villarreal the architects of their own downfall with some slack passing in their own final third.

Madrid's high press saw Rodrygo latch onto the ball before being challenged, but Modric was in his wake to fire home and put the game beyond doubt.

There have been plenty of stoppages in the game but the first yellow card is brandished to Bellingham for an incident off the ball.

DIAZ, THAT IS UNBELIEVEABLE! The 24-year-old received the ball more or less on the half way line before turning Aissa Mandi. He charged forward, twisted and turned to beat two defenders in the box and fired past Jorgensen with a fine effort. That was some goal.

Madrid back in firm control in some style.

This second half has come to life. Rodrygo latched onto Vazquez's ball over the top and attempted to toe poke past Jorgensen, but the 'keeper made a good stop to keep his side in it.

They do have one back! Now this is interesting. Dani Parejo found Morales in a nice pocket of space between Fernandez and Antonio Rudiger and the forward squeezed his effort past Andriy Lunin.

Madrid looked in control, but could this change things?

Bellingham's campaign so far has been nothing short of extraordinary. Again on the scoresheet tonight and running away with the LaLiga 'top scorer' tag. Is there anyone better in the world right now?

The second half is underway and there is action on both benches after the break.

Fran Garcia replaces Ferland Mendy for Madrid, while Jorge Cuenca and Alexander Sorloth replace Raul Albiol and Gerard Moreno for Villarreal.

Villarreal emerged 3-2 victors last time out against Madrid, a good omen?

Ancelotti's side have won just one of their last five meetings against today's opponents. Could the visitors force a comeback? It seems unlikely at this stage. But stranger things have happened.

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Alaba's injury is the latest on the extensive list that Ancelotti is having to combat.

Thibaut Courtois, Eduardo Camavinga, Daniel Carvajal, Eder Militao and Vinicius Junior currently occupy the treatment table, and Madrid will now be hoping that Alaba is not ruled out for an extensive period.

The (as it stands) LaLiga leaders have done well to maintain their form despite these setbacks, as each of their absentees are real important players.

Figueroa Vazquez brings the first half to a close, and Madrid will be happy with the scoreline. But the injury to Alaba will be on their minds.

There will no doubt be some stern words in the Villarreal dressing room.

There will be six minutes of added time for the first half. The hosts continue to push and at this point Villarreal may well be happy to go in two down.