Villareal thrash the defending champions Real Madrid in dramatic win

Real Madrid blew an opportunity to put further pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona in the fight for the title on Saturday by losing 2-1 against Villarreal in a sloppy performance.

Villarreal took the lead shortly after the break via Yeremy Pino, but Real equalized through Karim Benzema's penalty in the 60th minute. Gerard Moreno scored and led to Villarreal's 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the 63rd minute. As Madrid fought for a comeback in the final minutes, Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius both missed ample opportunities.

Madrid, along with Barcelona, Real Betis, and Valencia, will halt league matches now to participate in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. Once returned to Spain, Madrid will have to make a second trip to Estadio de la Cerámica to play Villarreal in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.