Real Madrid 1-0 Villarreal: Diomande seals win as Vinicius sees red

Real Madrid clung on for a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabéu as Yan Diomande’s first goal for the club proved decisive in a match that descended into chaos after Vinícius Júnior’s red card.

The Ivorian forward, preferred in the starting line-up by José Mourinho, struck in the 62nd minute to settle a tense La Liga encounter and secure three vital points after the international break. Federico Valverde threaded a superb through ball into the path of Diomande, who finished with a crisp, low drive into the bottom corner. The assistant’s flag initially ruled it out for offside, but a lengthy VAR review overturned the decision and awarded the goal, sparking relief around the Bernabéu.

Madrid had controlled much of the first half without finding a breakthrough. Kylian Mbappé twice went close, striking the woodwork early and later testing Peter Gulácsi, while Arda Güler and Jude Bellingham also threatened. Villarreal, organised and dangerous on the counter, forced Thibaut Courtois into two outstanding saves from Pape Gueye’s efforts from the edge of the box just after the hour mark.

The complexion of the contest changed dramatically ten minutes after Diomande’s breakthrough. Vinícius, introduced from the bench shortly after half-time, thought he had doubled the lead when he finished off a surging run and cut-back from Bellingham. Celebration turned to disbelief as the referee, following a VAR check, disallowed the goal and produced a straight red card for the Brazilian for pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair in the build-up. Madrid were left to navigate the final 20 minutes plus stoppage time with ten men.

Villarreal poured forward in search of an equaliser, introducing Gerard Moreno and Georges Mikautadze, but Courtois remained resolute, denying late efforts as the home side defended with determination and discipline. The final whistle brought a mixture of relief and satisfaction for Mourinho’s side, who moved closer to the top of the table despite a performance that was far from fluent.

Diomande’s clinical contribution and the Belgian goalkeeper’s heroics ensured Madrid took maximum points from a match that will be remembered as much for its drama and controversy as for the slender scoreline.