Real Madrid 4-1 Villarreal: Modric stars as Real goes top
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric demonstrated his enduring value with a goal and a brilliant assist in a 4-1 home win over Villarreal on Sunday to put his side top of LaLiga, but they lost defender David Alaba to an ACL injury in the first half.
Real's Austria international was substituted after 35 minutes, becoming the club's third player this season to suffer a torn anterior cruciate ligament, following centre-back Eder Militao and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Following a disappointing 1-1 draw at Real Betis last weekend, Real has returned to winning ways and now leads the table with 42 points, one more than Girona, who hosts lowly Alaves on Monday.
Real have also opened up a seven-point lead over third-placed Barcelona, who drew 1-1 at Valencia on Saturday and have now gone three games without a win in all competitions.
Real were in complete command, with Modric the maestro, as they dominated possession and outclassed Villarreal.
The 38-year-old hit the crossbar before assisting Real Madrid's first goal in the 25th minute, when his first-time cross from the edge of the area found Jude Bellingham, LaLiga's top scorer, who headed past goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.
It was Bellingham's 13th goal of the season, three more than Borja Mayoral of Getafe.
Rodrygo extended Real's lead in the 37th minute with a close-range strike from a Modric corner, a goal that was initially ruled out by the linesman for offside but was overturned by VAR.
After 54 minutes, Jose Morales scored for the visitors with a neat finish after a counter-attack.
Brahim Diaz scored Real's third goal in the 64th minute with a fine individual effort, and Modric scored four minutes later, striking a loose ball inside the box.
Carlo Ancelotti's side had a bittersweet night, however, as Alaba had to be helped off the pitch by medical staff after twisting his left knee while running to make a challenge in midfield.
Full back Ferland Mendy was also forced off with an injury by the end of the first half, adding to the club's problems with long-term injuries this season.
SportsLigue