How Did Mbappe's Brace Propel Real Madrid to the Top While Osasuna Broke Their Away Jinx?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Real Madrid leads La Liga after defeating Villarreal.
- Kylian Mbappe scored both goals for Madrid.
- Osasuna achieves their first away victory of the season.
- Sevilla secured a win with a crucial penalty.
- Late drama marked the matches, especially for Levante.
Madrid, Jan 25 (NationPress) Real Madrid ascended to the summit of La Liga following a 2-0 victory against third-placed Villarreal.
Kylian Mbappe netted both goals during the second period, first capitalizing on a failed clearance from Villarreal after a Vinicius Jr cross, and then sealing the win with a penalty deep into stoppage time after being fouled.
The initial half was underwhelming, yet Real Madrid exhibited superiority, while Villarreal continued to struggle against one of Spain's top teams: Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and FC Barcelona.
Atletico could boost their position to third with a home victory over Mallorca on Sunday. Meanwhile, FC Barcelona will also be in action on Sunday, with a chance to reclaim the top spot with a win against bottom-placed Oviedo, according to reports from Xinhua.
Osasuna achieved their first away victory of the season, defeating Rayo Vallecano 3-1, capitalizing on Rayo’s weak attacking presence. Ante Budimir swiftly scored to give Osasuna the lead in the first half, and despite Pathe Ciss equalizing in the 59th minute, a late surge led by Victor Munoz saw Osasuna secure the win. Munoz's shot was deflected in by Jozhua Vertrouwd, and Asier Osambela netted the third in the 92nd minute.
Akor Adams scored a decisive penalty in the 56th minute, leading Sevilla to a 2-1 victory at home against Athletic Club Bilbao. Despite Robert Navarro opening the scoring for Athletic in the 40th minute, Peque equalized shortly after, and a handball by Yuri Berchiche allowed Adams to convert the penalty.
Largie Ramazani scored a 94th-minute penalty, securing Valencia's second consecutive win with a thrilling 3-2 home victory over Espanyol. Hugo Duro and Eray Comert both put Valencia ahead, but a close-range strike from Ramon Terrats and an own goal from Copete seemed to have earned Espanyol a point until Ruben Sanchez fouled Ramazani.
In an exciting finish on Friday night, Levante managed a 3-2 home win against Elche, who thought they had salvaged a draw with Adam Boyar's stunning overhead kick in the 92nd minute. Alvaro Rodriguez had initially put Elche in the lead, but goals from Pablo Martinez and Adrian de la Fuente turned the tide for Levante, who clinched victory in the dying moments through Alan Matturro's flick from a corner.