Real Madrid bounced back from their recent league thrashing by securing a vital 3-1 victory against Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, a win that sent them top of La Liga.
After a goalless first half, Vinícius Júnior broke the deadlock just 90 seconds after the restart with a deflected strike (47′).
The Brazilian then doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 69th minute.
Villarreal briefly responded when Georges Mikautadze scored in the 73rd minute. However, the visitors were soon reduced to 10 men after Santiago Mouriño was sent off (77′).
Kylian Mbappé sealed the three points for Real in the 81st minute, though the victory was tempered by Mbappé limping off with an apparent foot injury moments later.
Real Madrid now sits on 21 points, two points ahead of Barcelona, while Vinícius Júnior earned Player of the Match honours.
