Madrid are now two points clear of Barcelona.
Real Madrid moved top of LaLiga as Kylian Mbappe scored twice in the second half to secure a hard-fought 2-0 win at Villarreal.
Having thrashed Monaco 6-1 in the Champions League in midweek, Madrid came up against more stubborn opposition at Estadio de la Ceramica as they looked to at least temporarily leapfrog Barcelona.
Chances proved at a premium against a side that began the game third in the table, but Mbappe was clinical in firing home from close range two minutes into the second half.
Madrid struggled to kill the game off and had some shaky moments at the back as Villarreal sought an equaliser, but Mbappe’s stoppage-time penalty made sure of the points.
The victory moves Madrid two points clear of Barca, who host Oviedo on Sunday.
More to follow