Real Madrid entered the match on the back of a sensational 3-0 Copa del Rey win over Atletico Madrid, whilst visitors Villarreal also approached the game in good form, after winning four of their last five games.

The game started in frantic style with both side's looking capable of scoring but it was the home side who opened the scoring no sooner than seven minutes when Gareth Bale, returning from injury, delightfully chipped over away keeper Sergio Asenjo.

It was the Welshman's 11th goal of the season for Madrid and it gave them the start they needed given the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo through suspension.

However, Bale's goal would not discourage a lively Villarreal from creating chances and they nearly levelled when former Barcelona winger Giovani dos Santos found Jonathon Pereira inside the box, but the tricky winger could not keep his effort down.

That would prove to be a huge chance for Villarreal as Real Madrid would weather the storm and casually go further ahead when Bale crossed for Karim Benzema, who was on hand to tap the ball past Asenjo on 24 minutes.

The visitors continued to force the issue throughout the first half but any chance they had, Madrid's defence stood strong with both Aquino and Moi Gomez blocked in their attempts.

However, it would take right-back Mario to get Marcelino's side back into the game when he rifled a long range effort into the back of the net.

The second half started in much the same way as the first as both side's felt comfortanle going forward but it was the home side who looked more capable of scoring as both Modric and Di Maria came close.

Karim Benzema was then hauled down the box but referee Gonzalez Gonzalez had no though of giving a penalty although closer replays showed Dorado was man handling the French striker.

That moment seemed to push Madrid on and they eventually restored the two-goal lead as the in-form Jese profited from some fine work by Angel Di Maria, before touching the ball past the helpless Asenjo.

But the game took another direction as Dos Santos scored a superb costless-kick with around twenty minutes to go. The former Barca man had been fairly quiet up until that moment but his set-piece easily beat Diego Lopez.

Madrid would then looked ragged for a couple of minutes but Karim Benzema would once again increase the lead for the home side as he finished off a superb counter attack, started by Sergio Ramos and assisted by Jese.

The home side would then slow the game down as they kept possession until referee Gonzalez Gonzalez blew his final whistle.

The result for Carlo Ancelotti's side takes them above Barcelona and joint on points with Atletico Madrid at the top the table. Villarreal remain fifth, four points clear of Real Sociedad.

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Ben Crump
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