La Liga: Real returns to the top

Madrid, Dec 18: Real Madrid enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 win at home to Villarreal to return to the top of La Liga, but risk losing defender David Alaba for an extended period after he was carried off in the first half with what appeared a serious knee injury.
Madrid took advantage of the fact that Girona don’t play Alaves until Monday, with Jude Bellingham putting them ahead in the 24th minute with a header from a Luka Modric cross. reports Xinhua.
Rodrygo then doubled their lead from close range following a corner, with a goal initially chalked off for offside but reinstated after a VAR check.
As well as Alaba’s injury, Villarreal also lost two players, with Gerard Moreno limping off after a collision with Alaba, and Alex Baena injured after a challenge from Lucas Vazquez.
Jose Luis Morales pulled a goal back for Villarreal 10 minutes after the break, finding space between Nacho Fernandez, who had replaced Alaba, and Antonio Rudiger.
Brahim Diaz quickly re-established Madrid’s two-goal lead with an individual effort that saw him beat three defenders before scoring with a low shot.
Luka Modric added a fourth after Rodrygo latched onto a dreadful Etienne Capoue backpass to set him up in the penalty area.
Real Sociedad and Real Betis drew 0-0 in a very even game which either side could have won.
On Saturday, FC Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw away to Valencia with another disappointing performance.
Joao Felix put Barca ahead in the 55th minute after a brilliant pass from Frenkie de Jong allowed Raphinha to set him up, but Hugo Guillamon leveled for Valencia with an excellent curling shot, and Valencia keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili also made several acrobatic saves to keep the scores level.
Athletic Bilbao celebrated their 125th anniversary with a brilliant 2-0 win at home to Atletico Madrid. (IANS)