Mbappe brace sends Real Madrid top with 2-0 win over Villarreal

KATHMANDU: Real Madrid climbed to the top of La Liga after a 2-0 victory over Villarreal at Estadio de la Cerámica.

Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 47th minute and sealed the win with a stoppage-time penalty in the fourth minute of added time.

The win puts Real two points clear of Barcelona.

Villarreal had an early chance in the 20th minute when Arda Güler’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Luis Junior.

In the second half, a fine effort by Vinícius Júnior set up Mbappé’s rebound strike to break the deadlock.

Despite late chances from both sides, the score remained 1-0 until Real earned a penalty at the death, which Mbappé converted to confirm the victory.