Real Madrid seized the lead in La Liga with a convincing 4-1 victory over Villarreal on Sunday. However, the triumph was marred by a serious knee injury to defender David Alaba, casting a shadow over their celebration of ascending to the league summit.
Under the guidance of manager Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid now stands one point ahead of Girona, the Catalan underdogs set to host Alaves on Monday with hopes of reclaiming the top position.
The scoring spectacle unfolded with Spain's leading scorer, Jude Bellingham, breaking the deadlock for Madrid by netting his 13th league goal of the season. Rodrygo Goes extended the lead, showcasing the team's attacking prowess.
Villarreal managed to claw back a goal through Jose Luis Morales, briefly denting Madrid's dominance. Yet, Brahim Diaz swiftly restored the balance with a spectacular solo effort that further solidified Madrid's control of the match.
The icing on the cake came from veteran midfielder Luka Modric, who drove home the fourth goal, sending Madrid fans into jubilation. The victory, however, came at a cost, as David Alaba's serious knee injury raised concerns about the team's defensive stability moving forward.
As Real Madrid supporters savor a significant win in their final home match of the year, the focus will now shift to the extent of Alaba's injury and the team's strategy to maintain their lead in La Liga amidst fierce competition.