La Liga
Result: Real Madrid 3-0 Villarreal
Date: 20 April 2016
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu
Real Madrid surged past Villarreal 3-0 on Wednesday night to keep the pressure on their fellow La Liga title challengers.
The Yellow Submarine was holding firm in the opening 25 minutes of the clash as they limited Los Blancos' chances to a minimum, causing the Bernabeu faithful to become restless.
However, in the 30th minute Real had a chance to score the first goal when Danilo sent in a dangerous low ball towards Karim Benzema at the near post, but the Frenchman sent the effort wide.
Shortly before the break the striker made amends. Cristiano Ronaldo created the goal with a cross which was parried towards Benzema who flicked it home from close range.
Five minutes into the second half the hosts had two opportunities to double the lead. The first saw Ronaldo rise high to head an effort wide of the target before a strike from Luka Modric was directed wide from the edge of the box.
The lead was doubled in the 69th minute as Real Madrid took control of proceedings. Lucas Vazquez sped towards the Villarreal box before drilling a shot inside the near post to beat goalkeeper.
The result was put to bed when Modric netted the home side's third. A cut-back pass from Danilo picked out the former Tottenham man who rifled home a low volley to seal the three points.
Zinedine Zidane's charges are now one point adrift the top of the table, in third position behind Barcelona and Atletico.
