Diomande struck in the second half after a move created by Federico Valverde, giving José Mourinho’s side a valuable three points. However, the closing stages were overshadowed by Vinícius Junior’s red card after a VAR review ruled out his goal for an infringement against William Saliba.
Mbappé threatens as Madrid search for an early goal
Real Madrid started on the front foot, looking to make their home advantage count after the international break.
Kylian Mbappé came close to opening the scoring when his effort struck the post. The French forward created another promising opportunity, but Villarreal goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi stood firm to keep the visitors in the contest.
Villarreal also threatened on the counter-attack, with Pape Gueye testing Thibaut Courtois from distance. Despite Madrid’s pressure, the teams went into the break without a goal.
Diomande breaks the deadlock
The breakthrough arrived in the 64th minute through Diomande, who scored his first goal for Real Madrid.
Valverde drove forward on the right and supplied the decisive pass into the penalty area. Diomande controlled the opportunity and finished to give the hosts a 1–0 lead.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR review overturned the decision and confirmed Madrid’s advantage.
Vinícius sees red after VAR intervention
Vinícius Junior entered the match in the second half and appeared to have added a second goal for Madrid. However, the celebration was short-lived.
A VAR review identified a hair pull on Saliba earlier in the attacking move. The referee disallowed the goal and sent Vinícius off, leaving Madrid to defend their narrow lead with ten men.
The dismissal gave Villarreal renewed hope of rescuing a point and changed the closing stages into a test of Madrid’s defensive organisation.
Courtois helps Madrid withstand late pressure
Villarreal pushed forward after gaining a numerical advantage, searching for an equaliser in the final stages.
Courtois proved crucial, making important saves to deny the visitors, including an effort from Gerard Moreno. Madrid’s defence also held firm under pressure to protect the lead until the final whistle.
The victory reflected Madrid’s ability to secure the result despite the late setback, although Vinícius’s dismissal could have consequences for the team’s next fixtures.
Madrid take three points into European action
The win kept Real Madrid in the La Liga title picture and provided momentum ahead of their next European assignment against Roma. Villarreal, meanwhile, were left to rue their inability to capitalise on their late numerical advantage.
Diomande’s first goal for the club ultimately separated the sides in a contest in which Courtois’s late saves proved just as important as the decisive finish.
Full-time: Real Madrid 1–0 Villarreal
Goal: Yan Diomande 64’.