In the race for the top spot in LaLiga, Real Madrid has taken pole position, at least for one night.
The Spanish football record champions defeated FC Villarreal 4-1 (2-0) and moved past FC Girona into first place. However, this season’s surprise team can regain the lead at the end of the 17th matchday on Monday against newly promoted Deportivo Alaves (9:00 p.m./DAZN).
Real, unbeaten in 16 competitive games, could once again rely on former Dortmund player Jude Bellingham. The Englishman put the Royals in the lead with a header (25th), it was his 13th goal of the season in his 15th league appearance.
The other goals were scored by Rodrygo (37th), Brahim Diaz (64th) and Luka Modric (68th) for the star ensemble from Madrid, in which national player Antonio Rüdiger and 2014 world champion Toni Kross were in the starting line-up. Jose Luis Morales (54th) temporarily shortened the score for the guests.
Former Munich player David Alaba caused a moment of shock when he collapsed in a duel. The Real central defender apparently suffered a serious injury to his left knee and had to leave the pitch in pain in the 35th minute.