Real Madrid slip further in LaLiga with Villarreal loss as Champions League, Copa del Rey take priority

MADRID -- A much-changed Real Madrid team were beaten 3-2 by Villarreal on Saturday to give up more ground in the LaLiga title race.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti made six changes to the side that beat Barcelona 4-0 in the Copa del Rey but Madrid went ahead in the 16th minute, Marco Asensio's pass deflecting in off defender Pau Torres.

Samuel Chukwueze drew Villarreal level before halftime before Vinicius Junior put Madrid back in front after the break, beating three defenders ahead of a cool finish.

Substitute Jose Luis Morales equalised and Chukwueze fired a spectacular, 80th minute winner to give Villarreal just their second ever win at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Rapid reaction

1. Madrid stretched by LaLiga, Copa and Champions League demands

This was always going to be an awkward game for Madrid, sandwiched between a Copa del Rey Clasico semifinal second leg at Barcelona and their priority for the rest of the season: keeping their Champions League prospects alive in Wednesday's quarterfinal first leg with Chelsea.

But it's not like they can just throw in the towel at this stage in LaLiga either, despite Barca's sizeable lead at the top of the table. That meant a delicate balancing act from coach Carlo Ancelotti: picking a team strong enough to deal with Villarreal, while simultaneously resting some tired legs.

The result was Luka Modric and Toni Kroos starting on the bench alongside Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal. It meant David Alaba playing the first half before being replaced by Militao in a pre-planned move, and Karim Benzema being withdrawn after an hour.

Madrid were tested by a talented Villarreal who -- despite an up-and-down season under manager Quique Setien -- had won their previous two games and look likely to finish in the European places, and were eventually beaten after a rollercoaster second half which could have gone either way.

2. Chukwueze shows star quality on the big stage

It's not often that a visiting player comes to the Bernabeu and outshines every single one of Real Madrid's stars, but that's exactly what Villarreal winger Chukwueze did here.

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The 23-year-old has always been gifted but hasn't always found the consistency -- or had the opportunities -- to support that talent. This was an all-round performance that the fans present in this stadium will be talking about for a long, long time, scoring twice -- both outstanding goal-of-the-weekend contenders -- and playing a pivotal role in Villarreal's other goal, too.

His first goal might have been the moment of the match, dancing past the hapless Nacho before finishing well, before his second -- curling up and over Courtois to give Villarreal the three points -- came along and topped it.

3. Vinicius Junior's form some consolation for Madrid

A home defeat always hurts, but this wasn't a game without positives for Madrid -- and one of them was the performance of Vinicius Junior.

His goal might have been overshadowed by Chukwueze's, but it was special in its own right -- skipping through the Villarreal defence as the second half got underway -- and with a bit more luck, he could have had a second-half hat trick, putting two shots inches wide.

Vinicius is now one of the leaders of this Real Madrid team, and in Benzema's absence could be seen visibly encouraging the Bernabeu crowd to get behind them in the second half.

It's now two goals and three assists in Vinicius' last three games, coming into form at just the right time, with a Champions League quarter-final on the horizon.

Best and worst performers

Best: Samu Chukwueze, Villarreal

An unforgettable performance. Scored the visitors' first goal, created their second, and then scored their winner.

Best: Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid

Could have had a second-half hat trick but had to settle for just the one goal.

Best: Gio Lo Celso, Villarreal

Did well in an unfamiliar false nine role.

Worst: Pau Torres, Villarreal

Scored an own goal and had a difficult night all round.

Worst: Nacho Fernandez, Real Madrid

Won't want to watch a replay of Chukwueze's first goal.

Worst: Ramon Terrats, Villarreal

Got injured early and had little time to make an impact.

Highlights and notable moments

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Chukwueze's stunner all but ends Madrid's LaLiga hopes

Samu Chukwueze finds the back of the net from outside of the box to give Villarreal a 3-2 lead.