Real Madrid have succumbed to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Villarreal at the El Madrigal Stadium on Sunday evening.
Following their impressive 8-0 drubbing of Malmo in the Champions League, Real were on a mission to prove their form could translate in the domestic competition as well as lessen the gap with league leaders Barcelona. Villarreal had other ideas.
It took the hosts only eight minutes to open the scoring with former Tottenham man Roberto Soldado sending a strong shot through the legs of goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
The home team will thank Cedric Bakambu for his efforts in affecting and regulating the vibrant play of Villarreal against a seemingly toothless opponent.
While having a vast selection of attacking talent, Madrid failed to make any form of offense in the first term. Frenchman Karim Benzema made the most of a bad situation with a close-range effort on goal narrowly going wide of the post.
Cristiano Ronaldo was quiet while Gareth Bale’s low bobbing shot nearly gave the visitors an equaliser.
The final whistle sounded another disappointing setback for coach Rafael Benitez’s men who must now revel and reflect on a crucial setback in their hopes of a successful La Liga campaign.
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