Tomás Pina enters the game and replaces Manu Trigueros.
Yellow card for Suarez late on here as Villarreal battle to hold on for the win.
Final change of the match as Tomas Pina enters the action late on to replace the impressive Manu Trigueros.
90' +1
Four minutes of added time have been signaled by the referee here so Madrid are really running out of time to at least get a point, which they maybe deserve on the basis of their second half performance. Absolutely no one would begrudge Villarreal of the victory, though, should they manage to hold on!
89'
Jesé enters the game and replaces Marcelo.
Marcelo has picked up what looks like a hamstring injury here and it is unclear as to whether it is cramp or something slightly more sinister. This will provide Benitez the opportunity to use his last change of the match, which sees Jese enter the action with the task of saving a point for Los Blancos. No pressure!
88'
Nahuel indeed utilises his pace to claw his side up the park in a pacey counterattack! The substitute eventually fires a pass into the feet of Bakambu, who jinks past the challenge of Pepe before attempting to whip a strike into the far corner, which eventually goes fairly far wide of the post! Rukavina was a much better option just to the right, as he would have had a clear shot on goal!
86'
Expect the last few minutes of this game to be all-out Madrid attacking as Villarreal attempt to shut up shot to sustain their very narrow lead. Areol hasn't been called into action too many times, but this is no time to lose concentration in the backline!
84'
A. Rukavina enters the game and replaces E. Bailly.
Another quickfire change from the Yellow Submarine as Bailly makes his way off the pitch with what looks like a blow to the stomach after a collision with Marcelo. He'll be replaced at right-back by Antonio Rukavina.
83'
Nahuel Leiva enters the game and replaces Soldado.
Another substitution here and it comes from Marcelino this time as he withdraws the solitary goalscorer of the match, Roberto Soldao, in favour of Matias Nahuel, who will certainly provide some pace going forward should the home side break away on the counterattack.
81'
UNLUCKY FROM JAMES! The Colombia international, who has had a very quiet game this evening, bursts into life down the right channel and quickly cuts inside on his left foot to find a yard of space. He lashes a precision strike aimed at the right corner, and Areola struggles to get across, but it is further frustration for Madrid as the attempt flashes wide!
79'
M. Kovačić enters the game and replaces Casemiro.
A moment later, Casemiro trudges off the field, with Mateo Kovacic taking his place in midfield. Two positive, attacking alterations from the former Liverpool boss.
78'
Isco enters the game and replaces L. Modrić.
It will be interesting to see how Villarreal approach the latter stages of the game here as they are edging closer and closer to claiming a famous win over Real Madrid, but if they just sit back and soak up pressure this may play into the hands of the visitors. Haven't seen too much from Bakambu in this second period after a blistering opening 45 minutes.
Double substitution from Benitez here and the first which occurs is Modric leaving the pitch to make way for Isco.
Minute
Description
76'
The Real Madrid players aren't too enamoured with Soldado at the moment as the Villarreal striker goes down clutching his face after a collision with Sergio Ramos, which actually took place after a clear foul by the former. There was nothing in the subsequent incident, and the Blancos players are pretty annoyed at the attempts to waste time heading into the latter stages.
74'
POOR MISS FROM BENZEMA! Ronaldo pops up down the right-hand side this time and takes on Costa at left-back before darting down the right wing to eventually hit the byline and stand a perfect cross deep to the back post. Whilst completely unmarked, the Frenchman meets it, but ends up sending his header wide of the left-hand post! Areola was rooted to the spot! Still 1-0!
72'
E. Bailly gets yellow.
Another Villarreal booking tallied up now and it goes to Bailly for a series of fouls near the left wing, with the clincher likely proving to be a cynical pull on the shirt of James Rodriguez.
70'
Twenty minutes remaining at El Madrigal and Real Madrid are running out of time to claim all three points here and move closer to Atletico Madrid and Barcelona at the top of the table. If they lose this one tonight, they will be five points behind the leading duo, which will be a massive missed opportunity as the Blaugrana drew with Deportivo yesterday afternoon.
68'
Marcelino has to be given a lot of credit for his side's performance tonight as they could easily have put a lot of impetus in their attacking play in order to stop leaking goals at the back, but it has been a wonderfully balanced display from the hosts, who have transitioned so well into the final third whilst staying solid in the middle. Ruiz, Bailly, and Musaccio all brilliant in defence.
66'
Sergio Ramos gets yellow.
Another booking here and it had been coming for Sergio Ramos as he halts a Villarreal counterattack with a cynical block on Dos Santos down the right wing. So Ramos sees yellow, and in other news, the sky is blue and the grass is green.
65'
Real are continuing to look for the equaliser now but Villarreal have did very well just to slow down the tempo of the game with some patient, sustained possession whenever they see some of the ball. It is taking the sting out of the game and, in turn, helping to curb the ascendancy of the visitors going forward.
63'
Soldado is eager to get on the scoresheet once again here and inflict further damage on Madrid at the back. The former Tottenham striker has got his career back on track somewhat after his move to El Madrigal, but fails to add to his tally on this occasion as his low strike from 20 yards goes straight down the throat of Navas in between the sticks for Madrid.
61'
The opening 15 minutes of the second half has flew by as we watch Villarreal and Real Madrid duck it out here. The Yellow Submarine can take a lot of heart from the fact that they are still holding out for the clean sheet even with the ascendancy of the capital club in the second period - but still more hard work to come!
59'
Villarreal are camped inside their own half at the moment as Madrid control possession in the central area and continue to probe for their opening goal of the match. Casemiro has been key to the visitors' dominance as he is keeping things simple with his passing, whilst also providing an insurance policy against potential counterattacks.
57'
Bale looks the most likely candidate to grab a goal back for Los Blancos here as he has increased the tempo of his passing and running by quite a bit since the break. His latest attempt at goal is not the best, admittedly, as he fires a strike well over the bar from 25 yards, but he is giving the opposition defence something to think about!
55'
Areola to the rescue for Villarreal! Bale opens up his stride with a powerful run down the right channel and eventually gets the better of Ruiz using his speed before making his way into the box. He goes for the right-footed strike aimed at the bottom corner, which he doesn't really connect well with, which eventually allows the goalkeeper to tip behind for a corner!
53'
What a start to the second half this has been! Real Madrid look like a completely different team and that can only be attributed to a half-time team talk by Benitez, who has sent his players out with fire and passion in their bellies. As it stands, though, Villarreal are still holding on to their lead!
51'
SAAAAAVE FROM NAVAS! Real Madrid are almost hit with a sucker punch after dominating the early stages of the second period, as Soldado collects possession around 25 yards out to drill a wicked strike aimed at the bottom right corner! The Costa Rican keeper is equal to it though and gets across goal to beat the attempt way with authority!
49'
WHAT A MISS FROM BENZEMA! Madrid have came absolutely flying out of the blocks after the break and are playing with an intensity that was totally missing in their play in the opening 45 minutes! In the latest attack, Bale utilises his speed to hit the byline and lash a teasing cross to the front post, where Benzema manages to get ahead of his marker, but can't direct a strike on target! It should be 1-1!
47'
HOW CLOSE WAS THAT?! Bale cuts in from the right wing and finds a yard of space before clipping a lovely pass in behind the Villarreal defence for Benzema, who takes into his stride with an assured chested down which allows him to fire a brilliant half-volley at goal! Somehow it just manages to screw away from the inside of the post at the last minute! So unlucky!
46'
We are back under way in this Spanish Primera Division clash!
43'
Suarez has given Danilo the run around at times during this first half, and the latest altercation between the two sees the former jink ahead of his marker with a series of clever touches before dancing into the penelty area. Luckily for the former Porto right-back, Pepe helps him out by ushering possession back into the arms of Navas.
41'
Real Madrid are running out of time to claw themselves back into contention before the break here, where they will no doubt get an earful from coach, Rafa Benitez. They have not been any where near their best going forward, and they can only improve as the game goes on, you would feel.
39'
Superb defensive work from Dos Santos! Marcelo goes on a typically marauding foray down the left flank and attempts to break foward into the final third and into the box, but is foiled by the retreatng Villarreal winger, who comes in with a superb slide tackle to put out for a corner kick! There is an appreciative handshake between the duo after the collision, which is good to see.
37'
There is no way Areola would have predicted that he would have so little duties to contend with in between the sticks tonight against Real Madrid, who have been emphatic in their goalscoring in recent weeks. Bale, Benzema, and Ronaldo, have only had one or two attempts on goal between them so far!
35'
That is poor from Bakambu! Villarreal catch Madrid on the counterattack with a pacey charge down the left wing by Denis Suarez, who is of course on loan from Barcelona! The Cules loanee gets beyond Danilo before smashing a wicked cross into the area, which the 24-year-old striker takes into feet! He opts against playing wide to the unmarked Soldado, and goes for goal himself with a swivel and drilled strike, but it goes high and wide over the bar!
33'
Dos Santos collects the ball to feet down the left wing and cuts inside on his right foot before sliding the ball into the feet of Bakambu, who brilliantly allows possession run through his legs and into the box. Soldado is sniffing around looking to get a strike away on the loose ball, but Pepe is vigilantly on hand to turn behind for a corner kick before Navas is called into action.
31'
Marcelo gets yellow.
We have our first yellow card of the match now and it is probably for one of the weaker offences of the game, as Marcelo comes through the back of Bruno in the middle of the Villarreal half. It may actually have been for dissent, which is pretty understandable considering what Costa just got away with for the home side.
30'
How has Jaume Costa escaped a yellow card here?! The Villarreal left-back, who has had his hands full with Bale on the right wing so far, goes in late on Benzema and leaves his studs right on the top of the ankle of the Frenchman, who drops to the floor in agony. For some reason, the referee blows for the foul, but doesn't deem the offence bad enough for a booking. Probably just about the clearest yellow you will ever see.
28'
JUST WIDE FROM BAKAMBU! The Congolese striker displays his electric pace to drive down the right channel and get in behind the Madrid defence. He leaves Pepe for dead with his speed before going one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but snatches at his strike on goal, which ends up being dragged wide of the left-hand post! That was a real chance to make it 2-0!
26'
We are just beyond the midway point of the first half now and Villarreal have to be commended massively for their performance in the first portion of the match, which has been oozing with confidence. Real Madrid aren't at the races so far, even with a slight increase in tempo in the last 10 minutes or so.
24'
OVER THE BAR FROM BENZEMA! Bale opens up his stride down the right flank and gets beyond Costa to hit the byline before teasing a lovely cross into the box, near the penalty spot. The Frenchman meets the ball on the bounce, but can't manage to keep his subsequent half-volley down, which sees Areola comfortably see possession north of the crossbar.
22'
Bailly, who is actually playing out of position at right-back today away from his usual central defensive position, finds himself under massive pressure near the corner flag inside his own half from Ronaldo, who is desperate to win the ball back high up the park. In the end, the Villarreal defender is let off the hook as the referee blows for a very soft foul from the Ballon d'Or winner, which doesn't do much to curb his frustration.
20'
We get our first real glimpse of Ronaldo as an attacking entity as he collects the ball on the edge of the area before firing a pass into the feet of Modric and darting into the box, looking for the return ball from the Croatian. The latter just can't manage to sort his feet out in time, which allows Musacchio to step in to win possession for Villarreal.
18'
VITAL CHALLENGE FROM PEPE! Bakambu causes massive problems again with a galloping run down the right flank, where he eventually teases a cross in behind the Madrid defence for Soldado, as the pair look to link up again! Luckily for Madrid, the Portuguese defender retreats just in time to claw the ball away with a slided interception!
16'
Depending on how you look at it, Ruiz puts in either a brilliant challenge or a crazy challenge on Marcelo inside the Villarreal box. On one hand, he got the ball cleanly and with authority, but there was absolutely no need to make the tackle as the Brazilian was going nowhere with his back to goal! Either way, Madrid get the corner.
14'
Bakambu has proved himself to be a handful so far and his physicality in the final third is causing plenty of problems for Sergio Ramos and Pepe, who usually thrive in the hustle and bustle of such a battle. They certainly know they are in a game here!
12'
Costa glides forward down the left-hand side and attempts to get on the end of an aerial ball, but ends up being cynically shoved in the back whilst in the air by Bale. That is certainly a cynical challenge from the Welshman and the Villarreal left-back landed pretty awkwardly on his ankle because of it - the former lucky to avoid a booking there!
10'
Marcelino spoke this week about he feared a demolition from Real Madrid due to his side's recent defensive fragility, but the match has by no means followed such a formula up until now as his team have been terrific from the get-go. Los Blancos haven't even had the chance to attack yet never mind tally up the goals!
8'
Soldado has scored a goal for Villarreal! Assist by C. Bakambu.
GOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLL FOR VILLARREAL! A deserved lead for the home side! Bruno robs Modric of possession high up the park and quickly passes into the feet of Bakambu, who, in turn, drives forward and squares to the side for Soldado! The former Tottenham striker then finds the back of the net with a predatory strike through the legs of the oncoming Navas! One-nil!
Some brilliantly unselfish work from Bakambu as he decides against going for goal himself to lay the ball on a plate for his strike partner, Soldado!
6'
Real Madrid's attacking trio of Ronaldo, Benzema, and Bale have barely had a touch so far and are looking pretty isolated in the final third. They could do a lot worse than come a bit deeper and aid their team-mates in actually reclaiming the ball from Villarreal, who are bossing possession at the moment.
4'
VILLARREAL HIT THE POST! Marcelino's men continue to press ahead with their impressive start and it is Bakambu who leads the charge this time with a superb, penetrating run through the middle! He eventually finds Dos Santos on the right channel, who lashes a superb strike aimed at the bottom corner, only to see his attempt crash off the inside of the woodwork!
3'
Positive start to the match from the home side who are confidently spraying the ball around on this absolutely outstanding surface. You will struggle to see a pitch in better condition this weekend than the one we have at El Madrigal - perfect for playing football!
1'
We are under way at El Madrigal!
TEAM NEWS...
The last clash between Villarreal and Real Madrid took place in March of this year, and proved to be fairly damaging to the latter's pursuit of the title, as they could only manage a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu against the Yellow Submarine, with Ronaldo and Gerard Moreno both getting on target for their respective sides.
Despite Villarreal's tendency to concede goals recently, they still find themselves loftily positioned 5th in the table, and can move within one point of the last Champions League qualifying position should they manage to overcome Real Madrid tonight. It will be easier said than done for Marcelino's outfit, though, as the hosts tonight have only came out winners twice in the last 30 occasions in this particular fixture.
Los Blancos' goalscoring prowess at the moment, combined with Villarreal's leaky defence, should provide Benitez's men with some confidence. The Yellow Submarine have conceded 13 goals in seven matches and let in three against Viktoria Plzen during the week in the Europa League, in a match that eventually ended all-square at 3-3.
However, even with their sparkling form, they still face the embarrassing situation surrounding their expulsion from the Copa del Rey for fielding an ineligible player in the form of Denis Cheryshev. It may not have been through conventional circumstances, but Real Madrid have effectively been knocked out of the Spanish Cup by Cadiz, and it will still hurt knowing they are one trophy down for the season and it isn't even the winter break yet.
Should the Spanish capital club run out winners tonight, they will move to within just two points of Barcelona at the top of the table. That would come on the back of one of their performances of the season during the week, in which they destroyed Malmo 8-0 at home in their last Champions League group stage, and end an altogether decent week. Ronaldo hit four and Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick against the Swedish side, and look to be back to their best in recent weeks.
In the middle of November, life wasn't too great at the Santiago Bernabeu. Cristiano Ronaldo was off form, Rafa Benitez found himself under increasing pressure in his role as Blancos boss, and perhaps worst of all, Madrid were absolutely demolished at home by Barcelona in the Clasico as Luis Enrique's outfit ran out emphatic 4-0 winners in the Liga clash. After that match, it looked like Barca were pretty much unbeatable and seemed poised to go on a run and potential march to the title, but two draws in as many games in recent weeks has opened the door back up for Real Madrid, and indeed Atletico, to close the gap.
Good evening football fans! Welcome to LIVE coverage of the Spanish Primera Division clash between Villarreal and Real Madrid from El Madrigal!
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Navas; Danilo, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Casemiro, Modric, Rodriguez; Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema.
The teams are making their way to the pitch and we are almost ready for kick-off!
Half time at El Madrigal as the referee decides against adding on any injury time. Villarreal have been fantastic in the opening 45 minutes of this Spanish Primera Division clash and deservedly lead Real Madrid 1-0 at the break after a solitary strike from Roberto Soldado. Los Blancos have been scoring for fun in recent matches, but they have been massively frustrated so far as they fail to muster up any kind of creativity in the final third, with the Yellow Submarine looking the more likely team to go ahead and add to their tally. Very interesting second period in store!
Full time at El Madrigal. Villarreal record a famous 1-0 win at home to Real Madrid in the Spanish Primera Division after a solitary strike from Roberto Soldado in the first half after some excellent work from Cedric Bakambu. Los Blancos improved after the break, but eventually huffed and puffed to no avail and the eventual defeat, which sees them now five points behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the top of the table. Marcelino can take plenty of the credit as his team were superb on the night, and the Champions League positions are now in sight for him and his charges now! Thanks for joining us - see you next time!
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