Villarreal 4-4 Real Madrid (Güler x2, Joselu and Vázquez). An eventful match ends 4-4. Here is my reaction to the game. Tune in for: Player ratings, post game quotes and a podcast.
Before typing anything else, I’d like to spend a moment offering thoughts, condolences and immense sadness to the family and friends of Om Arvind. One of a kind, and we will all miss you.
Madrid fans are counting down the days until the Champions League final in London against Borussia Dortmund – but there are still two La Liam games to play out despite being crowned champions already. Andriy Lunin was back in goal, whilst Éder Militão was given more minutes in centre-back. Dani Ceballos and Arda Güler started in midfield, with Joselu Mato up top.
Real Madrid had been playing with a sense of freedom since winning the league, even with all of the rotations happening each game. Despite an amazing opening chance for the hosts through Alexander Sørloth, this game seemed to be no different. Arda Güler scored the opener for Los Blancos with another tidy low finish to add to his growing collection. Joselu Mato extended the lead when he headed a Lucas Vázquez cross past the keeper. Sørloth grabbed one back with a header from close range – before Vázquez replied instantly to make it 3-1. Arda Güler capped off the eventful half with another goal, this time taking the ball close to the target before slotting past the keeper. Half time, 4-1 to Real Madrid!
39’—⚽
48’—⚽
52’—⚽
56’—⚽Four goals against Real Madrid and Alexander Sørloth leads the La Liga Pichichi race (23) pic.twitter.com/fxsQJqhPLL
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 19, 2024
The second half was nothing short of a disaster. Alexander Sørloth nodded his second straight away to get the hosts back into the game – and minutes later really changed things with a superb individual effort. Éder Militão did not come off particularly well from any of the goals. Before the hour mark, a hat-trick would turn into four as Sørloth beat Andriy Lunin with ease to complete a comeback and make the score 4-4. It was then substitutions galore for Madrid who wanted nothing but a win from the game, and Rodrygo Goes came on to almost score a one-on-one chance, hitting the post with ten minutes to go. Villarreal played the last ten minutes well. Madrid would not get another chance to score, and the game would end with 8 goals scored and a draw. Thoughts on the game?
