Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso hailed his side’s “serious performance” as Los Blancos picked up three points that saw them leapfrog rivals Barcelona into top spot in LaLiga.
For 24 hours at least, Real sit at the summit of Spain’s top-flight after a Vinicius Jr bagged a brace and Kylian Mbappe scored late on to ensure Alonso’s team emerged comfortable 3-1 from their tussle with Villarreal on Saturday.
Madrid were looking to bounce back from a 5-2 thrashing at the hands of their city rivals Atletico last weekend, and their hopes were realised, albeit in efficient rather than dazzling fashion, at the Bernabeu.
After a goalless first-half, Vinicius scored within 90 seconds of the restart before doubling his tally from the penalty spot 20 minutes later.
The visitors pulled one back through record signing Georges Mikautadze but the Yellow Submarine’s push for a comeback was hampered when Santiago Mourino was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Mbappe then made the points safe with 10 minutes of the game left to play following some unselfish play from substitute Brahim Diaz.
And it was a result that appeared to please the Real boss, who admitted his players executed their gameplan perfectly.
“We feel really good,” Alonso said. “That was a really serious performance, and an important win.
“Our gameplan tonight was the same as always. Dominate the game through possession, and when we lose the ball, press fast and high and win it back aggressively. I think we did a good job.”
Speaking about the performance of Vinicius, whose importance to Real may have been somewhat overshadowed by the recent form of Mbappe, Alonso called the Brazilian’s display “electric”.
The Madrid manager said: “I loved Vini’s game tonight. Not just because of the goals. Because he was so active, so electric, he created a lot of issues for Villarreal’s right-back. He was so, so good.
“Vini is a really, really important player for us, for his level of output, his creativity, the way he breaks down defenses. And tonight was an amazing performance.”
Next up for Real after the international break is a short trip south to Getafe, followed by the visit of Juventus on matchday three of the Champions League.
