Real Madrid held on for three points on Sunday afternoon as they defeated Villarreal 3-2 in a highly entertaining encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid made the best possible start to the game as just two minutes in Mariano Diaz, starting in the absence of leading goalscorer Karim Benzema, handed them the lead capitalising on a mistake from the opposition. However, the lead did not last long as Gerard Moreno struck back in the 11th minute with a well-struck effort from the edge of the box.
With five minutes left for half-time Zinedine Zidane’s men were back in the lead as Jesus Vallejo reacted the quickest to a rebound and poke home from close-range, after Marcelo’s shot had been blocked by the Villarreal goalkeeper. Soon after the restart, Real Madrid doubled their advantage with Mariano once again getting on the scoresheet, converting a Dani Carvajal cross.
The home team had a few more chances with Brahim Diaz and Marcelo getting denied by the Villarreal keeper, who themselves had a couple of promising opportunities but could not make them count. Jaume Costa did find the back of the net in injury time, but it was all a little too late as Real Madrid held on for a win and three points.
Here’s how the Real Madrid supporters reacted to the victory on social media;
Bit of drama in the final minutes but we got the result we wanted. Well done lads, mission accomplished.#RealMadridVillarreal#HalaMadrid ⚪⚪
— Fabio Marra ????????? (@theitalianjambo) May 5, 2019
That’s the change Zidane can bring to this team. Slowly but steadily Real Madrid are coming back in business. Hopefully we will sign a clinical striker soon. pic.twitter.com/91ZfQuY92v
— S.Roy (@FossilisedRoy) May 5, 2019
Geez oh a win woo hoo
— Glasgow Warriors 2019 (@gfitzpatrick124) May 5, 2019
Am surprise with this score line considering the line Up of players Zizou had to use…Good game boiz, far more better than the previous #Vamoosss?
— Wყŋɛ (@Sirwynee) May 5, 2019
Fans were happy to see Mariano Diaz finally getting among the goals after what has been a frustrating injury-riddled campaign for him.
Mariano getting some consistent games and he’s balling imagine my shock
— RkFutbol (@RahatRk_) May 5, 2019
Mariano Diaz giving his best in what could be his last season at Real Madrid
After having a solid season scoring 21 goals for Lyon in 2017/18 & being top 5 in Ligue 1 , Mariano came back to don the no 7 jersey only to be hit by injuries
He will surely shine wherever he plays! pic.twitter.com/1IlQ6tEutS
— Ashish Romea (@RMadridEngineer) May 5, 2019
3. Mariano was unlucky with his injuries this season otherwise he would definitely have added something vital to us. He is a presence in the box, always goes in for the 50-50s, pounces on lose balls in the box
4. Kroos looking like his best again. His passing is unrivaled— Get Well Soon IKER (@Odriozolite) May 5, 2019
Mariano again ❤ so happy for him!!
— magia♡ (@nancymadrisco) May 5, 2019
just woke up we out here leading with three goals & two are from our mariano pic.twitter.com/QOjthPdNlh
— aryas show (@vinciuszn) May 5, 2019
Mariano is sooooo good today wow
— laura (@lauratdr2) May 5, 2019
Mariano are you CR7 !!!#ريال_مدريد_فياريال#RealMadridVillarreal pic.twitter.com/8LGjX49ldC
— Ahmed Samy (@9ahmedsamy) May 5, 2019
Mariano… can’t believe it ??? Well done son!#HalaMadrid ⚪⚪
— Fabio Marra ????????? (@theitalianjambo) May 5, 2019
