sports
Vinicius Sent Off as Real Madrid Edge Villarreal 1-0
MADRID, Spain — Real Madrid beat Villarreal 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, a result secured despite forward Vinicius Junior having a goal disallowed and then being sent off for pulling an opponent's hair, Al Jazeera reported.
Substitute Yan Diomande scored the only goal of the match, giving Madrid a narrow win that left the club six points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, according to Al Jazeera.
What happened with Vinicius Junior's red card?
Vinicius, brought on as a substitute, appeared to double Madrid's lead after Jude Bellingham cut the ball back for him inside the box, Al Jazeera reported. Referee Isidro Diaz de Mera Escuderos was called to a VAR review that showed Vinicius had pulled the hair of Villarreal defender Nathan Saliba during the buildup. The goal was voided and the Brazil international was shown a red card, forcing Madrid to play out the final stages of the match with 10 men.
Who scored the winning goal for Real Madrid?
Yan Diomande, Madrid's record 140 million euro ($157 million) summer signing from Ivory Coast, scored his first goal for the club, according to Al Jazeera. The winger produced "a sharp low finish into the far corner after good work from Federico Valverde," Al Jazeera reported, breaking a scoreless deadlock in a first half the outlet described as drab.
How did Kylian Mbappe perform after his knee injury?
Striker Kylian Mbappe started for Madrid after recovering from a knee problem sustained while playing for France during the international break, Al Jazeera reported. Mbappe struck the post from a layoff by Alvaro Carreras early in the match and later forced a save from Villarreal goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. Al Jazeera noted "a smattering of whistles" from some Bernabeu fans who view Mbappe as unprofessional in recent weeks, alongside applause from other supporters. Mbappe is a candidate for this month's Ballon d'Or award.
Why did Mourinho leave Vinicius on the bench to start?
Manager Jose Mourinho started the match with Vinicius, described by Al Jazeera as out of form, on the bench following the winger's trips to Australia and India with the Brazil national team during the international break. Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made several saves, including an acrobatic stop on Villarreal's Carlos Romero, as the hosts defended their lead with 10 men in the closing stages.
Where does Real Madrid stand in the La Liga table?
The win moved Madrid provisionally into third place. Barcelona lead the table after a 3-0 win over Getafe, while Atletico Madrid sit five points behind Barcelona in second following a 2-1 win over Alaves, according to Al Jazeera.
By the numbers
- Diomande's transfer fee: 140 million euros ($157 million), per Al Jazeera
- Madrid's gap to league leaders Barcelona: six points
What to watch
- Whether Vinicius faces a suspension for upcoming La Liga fixtures
- Mbappe's form heading into Ballon d'Or voting later this month
- Whether Madrid can close the six-point gap on Barcelona
Questions
Why was Vinicius Junior sent off against Villarreal?
A VAR review showed Vinicius Junior pulled the hair of Villarreal's Nathan Saliba during the buildup to what would have been his goal, leading referee Isidro Diaz de Mera Escuderos to disallow the goal and issue a red card, according to Al Jazeera.
Who scored the winning goal for Real Madrid against Villarreal?
Yan Diomande scored his first goal for Real Madrid, finishing low into the far corner after a setup from Federico Valverde, Al Jazeera reported.
Where does Real Madrid rank in La Liga after the Villarreal match?
Real Madrid moved provisionally into third place, six points behind leaders Barcelona and one point behind second-place Atletico Madrid, according to Al Jazeera.