Villarreal-Real Madrid 2-3

Villarreal split opened the Madrid defence, thanks to the goal scoring exploits from Manu Trigueros (50′) and Cedric Bakambu (56′) at the Estadio de la Cerámica stadium in Spain. This team can find the net as well as any side in the world, and it proved it again in the clutch.

Having been outplayed for the opening hour, Madrid forced Villarreal onto the back foot and were rewarded when Bale’s header halved the arrears 25 minutes from time.

The key moment then occurred in the 74th minute when Real won a contentious penalty for a debatable handball against Bruno. Zidane’s tenure at the Bernabeu has been characterised by dramatic comebacks and, controversial penalty notwithstanding, his side proved their resilience in a final half-hour flourish capped by Alvaro Morata’s victor.

Real Madrid CF looked like they completely changed from a team that always wastes their opportunities in La Liga to an unforgiving side. “Gil Manzano, from helping out Real Madrid to refereeing Barcelona“.

Real Madrid on Wednesday postponed Valencia lost the championship match on the road 1: 2, interrupting their unbeaten run at around 6 matches.

The visitors are languishing in the relegation zone after 24 games, with the Blaugrana just a point behind the Galacticos at the top.

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane conceded he needs to give more game-time to Isco and Alvaro Morata after their starring roles in the comeback victory over Villarreal.

Barcelona had briefly topped the table after beating Atletico Madrid 2-1 earlier in the day. It was important for us to get the three points to remain top.

“We were doing well but, after 2-2, we completely lost our focus and it was very hard to get over that”.

Last month, after a penalty kick not awarded to Barcelona against Villarreal, he pointed his finger at the VIP box and yelled toward officials before leaving the field, apparently targeting Spanish league president Javier Tebas.

This is not the first time Pique has questioned the officiating in La Liga this season.