At the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid showcased a commanding performance against Villarreal, yet struggled to break through a resilient defense.

In a match that saw Real Madrid dominate possession with an impressive 80%, the team found itself challenged by Villarreal‘s well-organized defensive setup. Positioned in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the Madrid side, with Federico Valverde taking on the role of right-back, controlled the ball but faced difficulties in penetrating the opponent’s defensive lines.

A Tactical Battle at the Bernabéu

The first half was marked by Real Madrid‘s attempts to find a breakthrough. Despite their dominance in possession, their efforts resulted in eight shots, only one of which was on target. The home side’s inability to convert their control into goals highlighted the effectiveness of Villarreal‘s defensive strategy.

Dani Ceballos stood out in the opening minutes with his solid performance, contributing significantly to Madrid’s ball recovery efforts. Meanwhile, Villarreal, although largely on the defensive, managed to pose a threat towards the end of the half with two dangerous counter-attacks. These were expertly managed by Thibaut Courtois, whose impeccable saves kept the scoreline intact.

The match remained a tactical chess game, with both teams showcasing their strategic prowess. While Real Madrid sought to capitalize on their possession advantage, Villarreal‘s counter-attacking potential kept them in contention.

This encounter at the Bernabéu was a testament to both teams’ tactical discipline and resilience. As the game progressed, it became clear that breaking down Villarreal‘s defense would require more than just possession; it demanded creativity and precision in the final third.