SAN FRANCISCO, November 22, (THEWILL) – Real Madrid’s defence of their La Liga title suffered another early setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Villarreal despite leading for 74 minutes on Saturday.
Though the champions were without inspirational captain Sergio Ramos and star striker Karim Benzema, they had enough quality in the side to take all the points on offer.
Mariano Diaz at least made the most of a rare opportunity starting as Madrid forward. His contentious opener came after the linesman briefly raised his flag in error. The assistant seemingly believed the offside Lucas Vazquez was set to collect Dani Carvajal’s pass.
The right-back instead himself seized on the loose ball and crossed for Mariano to head in, prompting unsuccessful appeals from furious home defenders.
Madrid’s subsequent chances in the first period met Villarreal determined to hold their line. Dani Parejo failed capitalise at the other end as he nodded over after finding space where Ramos might typically be stationed.
Villarreal’s wastefulness continued into the second 45. Moreno dragged a shot across the face of goal following a poor Toni Kroos pass, before Parejo again blazed wide.
Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was underworked despite the hosts’ openings, raced from his line and took down approaching Nigerian midfielder Samuel Chukwueze. The referee awarded a penalty allowing Moreno to pick out the bottom-left corner 14 minutes from time and ensure the points were shared.
Madrid visit Inter on Wednesday in a huge game for both sides. Villarreal are at Maccabi Tel Aviv a day later in the Europa League.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
