Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid came from behind to defeat Villarreal 2-1 and reclaim top spot in La Liga.
Juan Foyth had given the hosts the lead, but Mbappe’s double in six first-half minutes turned the game around and earned Madrid all three points.
The victory puts Los Blancos three points clear of previous leaders Barcelona, who face third-placed Atletico Madrid on Sunday night.
Villarreal, who remain fifth in La Liga, started strongly and had two early chances through Ayoze Perez, but Thibaut Courtois denied him on both occasions.
The hosts eventually took the lead through Foyth’s scrambled effort from a corner, but Mbappe’s equalizer sparked Madrid into life.
The Frenchman netted his second of the game just six minutes later, curling a shot past Diego Conde.
Mbappe’s brace takes him to 20 league goals this season, just one behind La Liga top scorer Robert Lewandowski.
His performance was instrumental in Madrid’s victory, and he will be crucial to their push for both La Liga and Champions League success.
Villarreal pushed Madrid hard in the second half, but Courtois made several key saves to deny Nicholas Pepe and Alex Baena.
“We knew it would be a tough game, but we showed our character and came from behind to win,” said Mbappe. “We’re happy to be back on top of the league, but we know there’s still a long way to go.”
