Real Madrid Triumphs 3-1 Over Villarreal with Tactical Masterclass from Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid secured a commanding 3-1 victory against Villarreal in the 8th round of Liga EA Sports, reaffirming their dominance at the top of La Liga. The match, played on October 4, 2025, showcased standout performances from Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe, alongside strategic adjustments by coach Xabi Alonso that proved decisive in controlling the game.

Vinicius Junior was the star of the night, scoring two goals and earning a penalty that he successfully converted, marking a significant upswing in his form after earlier challenges this season. Mbappe also made his mark by scoring the final goal, taking his tally to five goals and four assists in just eight matches, underscoring his growing influence within the squad.

Coach Xabi Alonso’s tactical tweaks were pivotal; he repositioned Dani Ceballos as the midfield anchor to regulate the tempo, while Arda Güler was deployed closer to the attacking front, facilitating effective link-up play with Mbappe. Despite Villarreal's efforts, they struggled to create clear chances and could only respond with a late goal from Georges Mikautadze. The challenge for Villarreal intensified when Santiago Mouriño received a red card, diminishing their ability to mount a comeback.

In a press conference, Alonso reflected on the team’s approach, emphasizing the absence of positional conflicts within the squad and highlighting a unified team spirit. Meanwhile, the match context came amid wider Primera División updates, including Barcelona’s setback with Lamine Yamal’s injury.

This victory solidifies Real Madrid's position at the summit of the league table and demonstrates the effectiveness of Alonso’s tactical acumen combined with the in-form performances of key players, setting a high standard as the season progresses.