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Kylian Mbappe double sends Real Madrid top of La Liga with 2-0 win over Villarreal

Manager Alvaro Arbeloa passed his biggest domestic test yet as Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory at Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday.

Arder Guler had Madrid’s first chance, drifting past his markers before powering a shot towards goal. Luiz Junior was equal to the task.

Jude Bellingham then picked out Vinicius Junior, but he dragged his effort dragged wide.

Pape Gueye, fresh off the back of his Africa Cup of Nations heroics, registered the hosts’ first clear opening, but he failed to hit the target.

Kylian Mbappe broke the deadlock seconds after the restart, pouncing on a loose ball and squeezing it through the goalkeeper’s legs to register his 20th league goal.

Gerard Moreno later spurned two opportunities to draw Villarreal level, first failing to strike cleanly from a pass over the top before blazing over the bar after a clever assist from Dani Parejo.

Mbappe sealed the victory with a late penalty. Madrid are top of the standings, two points clear of Barcelona. They host Real Oviedo at Camp Nou on Sunday.

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