MADRID: Real Madrid displaced Girona and returned to the top of the La Liga 2023/24 points table after a crushing 4-1 victory over Villarreal at their home Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on Sunday.

Villarreal were coming off a heavy 3-0 defeat in their last La Liga game against Real Sociedad and faced a dominant Real Madrid, who gained an early advantage in the 25th minute.

Star English midfielder Jude Bellingham, who is having a dream debut season at Real Madrid opened the scoring with a header off Luka Modric’s cross.

This was Bellingham’s 17th goal of the season in 20 games for Los Blancos.

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They further extended their lead in the 37th minute as Rodrygo scored from the centre of the box following a corner to end the first half at 2-0.

The home side started the second half strongly, however, Villarreal’s Luis Morales decreased the deficit within ten minutes of the second half as he carried the ball into the box to slot past goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

However, Real Madrid did not take much time to regain their two-goal lead with Brahim Diaz firing low into the right corner in the 64th minute.

Season Croatian midfielder Luka Modric also got his name in the scoresheet four minutes later with a brilliant left-footed shot from the centre of the box.

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Real Madrid’s 4-1 lead remained intact until the final whistle and helped them replace Girona at the top of the Spanish league points table.

In another La Liga match, Valencia made a comeback in the 70th minute to draw 1-1 with defending champions Barcelona at Mestalla Stadium.

Joao Felix scored the only goal for the defending champions in the 15th minute of the second half, however, Hugo Guillamon scored the equalizer for the home side to draw the game.

Barcelona are currently placed at the third position in the La Liga points table.

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