Real Madrid missed the chance to move top of LaLiga after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Villarreal on Saturday evening.
LaLiga
Result: Villarreal 2-1 Real Madrid
Date: 07 January 2023
Venue: Estadio de la Cerámica
After Tuesday's Copa del Rey action, Carlo Ancelotti recalled the regulars, including Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Vinicius Junior and Toni Kroos.
It was the home side who nearly broke the deadlock after just five minutes as Francis Coquelin's neat flick crash against the upright with Thibaut Courtois well beaten.
More chances arrived after the 20-minute mark, as Benzema turned provider to play in Eder Militao down the right but the Brazilian sent his strike wide of the mark.
It was an end-to-end affair in the first half, as Courtois was called into action in the 31st minute to keep out Juan Foyth's towering header at the far post.
Los Blancos nearly went into the break with the advantage, as Benzema picked out Vinicius who unleashed a low strike that was brilliantly kept out by goalkeeper Pepe Reina.
That all changed in the second half, as Villarreal took the lead two minutes after the break when Gerard Moreno threaded a pass for Yeremy Pino, who slotted past Courtois.
Los Blancos were given a lifeline just before the hour mark after being awarded a penalty following a Video Assistant Review (VAR), which allowed Benzema to convert from 12 yards out.
However, Villarreal were awarded a penalty of their in the 64th minute after David Alaba's handball. Moreno stepped up and slotted into the bottom corner to restore his side's lead.
Ancelotti responded with a triple change, as Lucas Vazquez, Rodrygo and Camavinga replaced Aurélien Tchouaméni, Ferland Mendy and Modric for the final 20 minutes.
The defending champions were camped in the opposition half for the remainder of the second half and they did have the ball in the net on 88 minutes, but Vinicius' strike was called off for an offside.
The Yellow Submarine held on to clinch three points, which took the side up to fifth spot while Los Blancos could fall three points behind Barcelona, who face Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
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