Two Mbappe goals within seven minutes redeem visitors’ miserable start

Kylian Mbappe has 31 goals for the season after transforming Real Madrid’s fortunes at Villarreal in – but the reigning champions’ poor The League away form continued during the early stages at El Madrigal.

Just after Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois brilliantly turned an Ayoze Perez shot against a post, former Tottenham full-back Juan Foyth struck from close range to put The Yellow Submarine ahead after seven minutes.

Madrid top scorer Mbappe lashed in his first from inside the box 10 minutes later, capitalising after goalkeeper Diego Conde’s save from Brahim Diaz’s effort fell to him.

Madrid went ahead in the 23rd minute when Mbappe curled in classily from the edge of the box in the culmination of a long and fluid counter-attack.

Fine from Kylin Mubppé 👏

The Frenchman scores his second goal and gives Real Madrid the lead against Villarreal ⚪

𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 @Sbk | 18+ | 𝑃𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝐺𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑦 pic.twitter.com/TKIU8jSrWk

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) March 15, 2025

Mbappe Real Madrid stats

Mbappe has now scored two hat-tricks and three braces since joining Madrid last summer following the expiry of his Paris Saint-Germain contract.

One more goal against Villarreal would send the 26-year-old level with Liga and Barca top scorer Robert Lewandowski, who has 21 in the league and whose side led the table at the start of the day above Madrid on goal difference.

PSG’s all-time top scorer ended a two-game wait for a league goal by scoring in a 2-1 home win over Rayo Vallecano last Sunday.

Juan Foyth nets against Real Madrid! 🇦🇷

What a start for Villarreal who take the lead after seven minutes of play at the Cerámica 🟡

𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 @Sbk | 18+ | 𝑃𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝐺𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑦 pic.twitter.com/Ap5597a6G2

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) March 15, 2025

Villarreal in Madrid

Los Blancos have not won a first top-flight away game since January 25, losing at Espanyol and Real Betis and drawing at Osasuna in their subsequent matches on the road.

Fifth-placed Villarreal’s away form this season is only bettered by Barcelona, but they have only won five of their 12 home league games.

Marcelino Garcia Toral’s players were looking to reignite their hopes of a Champions League qualification spot after losing 1-0 at Alaves last Saturday.

Ancelotti confirmed Vinicius Jr had been given an extra day of rest after his subdued performance as Real Madrid edged past Atleti in the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday, including blazing a second-half penalty high and wide.

The Brazil international has received some criticism for his display at the Metropolitano but his coach was quick to back one of his star men, started on the bench against Villarreal.