Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first, where the favourite for the game Real Madrid never got into a winning position having begun @ 2.10 to get a victory. Villarreal played extremely well both offensively and defensively. Buoyed by the occasion and the opponent, the home side raised their levels and won with merit @ 3.40.
Moving onto the Asian handicap market for this contest. Real Madrid had plenty of good spells but in terms of chances, Villarreal was more effective at creating openings on breaks. Villarreal +0.25 backers were rewarded here @ 2.05 and with the draw onside, they were never in a losing position in a thoroughly entertaining game for La Liga standards.
Looking at The Under/Over market last of all where the goal line had dropped down to 2.75 from opening at 3. As mentioned in the preview, this was a very attractive line to bet Over. It was a wild second period especially and Over 2.75 produced a half-win @ 1.80 for backers. It was one of the more entertaining La Liga games this season and merited more goals, credit Villarreal for that who more than matched their visitor who they never feared or respected.
Match Summary
Villarreal stunned Real Madrid with an excellent performance and in a back-and-forth second halt. A Gerard Moreno-inspired showing and a winner from the penalty spot saw Villarreal secure their first home victory over Real Madrid since December 2015.
An extremely well-motivated and energetic Villarreal started confidently, and they nearly took an early lead when Francis Coquelin directed a backheel against the base of the post.
Having survived an opening 15 minutes dominated by the hosts, Real Madrid gradually grew into the match. The usually-reliable Karim Benzema and defender Éder Militão both fired excellent chances narrowly wide of the target.
In an opening half devoid of finishing quality, both sides forced saves from the opponent keeper from long range.
Villarreal emerged after the restart with improved intensity and was eager to stamp their authority on the game. Villarreal duly opened the scoring within two minutes, as Yeremy Pino collected a pass before finishing coolly beyond Courtois.
Real Madrid reacted well and after Benzema spurned another big opportunity, the French international made no mistake from the penalty spot following an accidental handball given by VAR.
Remarkably, the hosts were awarded a penalty of their own just two minutes later, when David Alaba was penalised for handball, allowing Moreno to step up and restore the Yellow Submarine’s advantage.
The drama set up a fascinating final 20 minutes, with Real Madrid desperate in their search for a leveller. Despite seeing plenty of the ball and a late opportunity for Antonio Rüdiger, the visitor didn’t make their pressure count.
Villarreal to be fair looked equally dangerous on breaks and although the match merited more goals, the home win was fair. Fair score 3-2
