Real Madrid Secure 1-0 Win Over Villarreal as Vinicius Junior Faces Red Card

Vinicius Junior was dismissed for hair-pulling as Real Madrid clinched a 1-0 La Liga victory over Villarreal.

Published On 10 Oct 2026

Real Madrid achieved a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Villarreal on Saturday, maintaining their position six points behind league leaders Barcelona, despite Vinicius Junior’s dismissal for hair-pulling.

Vinicius Junior, who came on as a substitute, had a goal disallowed before being sent off following a VAR review for pulling the hair of Villarreal’s Nathan Saliba.

Under Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid faced challenges with ten men in the latter stages but ultimately held on to secure the win and move into third place.

Meanwhile, Barcelona extended their lead at the top with a 3-0 victory over Getafe, and Atletico Madrid closed the gap slightly by defeating Alaves 2-1.

Kylian Mbappe started for Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, having recovered from a knee injury sustained while playing for France during the international break.

Mbappe received mixed reactions from the crowd, with some whistles amid concerns over his recent behavior, but also applause from supportive fans.

As a Ballon d’Or contender, Mbappe was Real Madrid’s most dangerous player in the first half, though he faced minimal opposition.

Mourinho opted to bench Vinicius Junior, who had been out of form, after his international duties with Brazil.

Real Madrid showed defensive improvement, limiting Villarreal’s opportunities, but struggled to create chances in a dull first half.

Mbappe hit the post from a pass by Alvaro Carreras as Madrid applied early pressure.

Villarreal soon found their footing, restricting Madrid’s attacks until Mbappe forced a save from goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.

Half-time saw mild whistles from fans dissatisfied with Madrid’s performance, but celebrations soon followed with Diomande’s first goal.

The Ivorian winger, Madrid’s record signing for 140 million euros, scored with a precise low shot after being set up by Federico Valverde.

Vinicius Junior believed he had doubled the lead after Jude Bellingham’s run and pass, but his joy turned to frustration when the referee, after VAR review, sent him off for pulling Saliba’s hair, annulling the goal.

Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who had made earlier saves, produced an acrobatic stop to deny Carlos Romero.

Mbappe was again denied by Gulacsi, leaving the forward frustrated, but Madrid secured crucial points to keep pace with Barcelona.

Source link