Karim Benzema Real Madrid 2022-23Getty Images

Ferland Mendy what are you doing?! Real Madrid winners, losers & ratings as ruthless Villarreal put dent in Los Blancos' title bid

It is difficult to see where, exactly, David Alaba could have put his hand. He had fallen awkwardly in the box, and a scuffed shot trickled into his wrist as he attempted to break his fall. The referee swiftly, and somewhat harshly, pointed to the spot, with Villarreal's Gerard Moreno converting the ensuing penalty to give his side a 2-1 lead - one they wouldn't relinquish.

It was the defining moment of a difficult afternoon for Los Blancos. Fielding the first line-up in their history without a Spanish player, Madrid were overrun by a surging Villarreal side, who came away deserved winners.

Carlo Ancelotti's side were perhaps lucky to still be in the game at the break. Villarreal swarmed all over the Liga champions, winning the ball high up the pitch and creating chances. Thibaut Courtois denied one shot, while Francis Coquelin flicked another off the post.

And the Yellow Submarine capitalised early in the second half. Ferland Mendy gave the ball away with a lazy pass, and Gerard Moreno fed Yeremi Pino, who turned home past Courtois - via a deflection from the struggling Mendy.

Madrid equalised shortly after, as Benzema converted a penalty following a lengthy VAR review, but Villarreal only needed three minutes to reclaim the lead. Alaba slipped in his own box and inadvertently punched the ball as he landed. Gerard Moreno dutifully tucked away the ensuing penalty, sending the home side to a deserved three points.

Here's the Madrid winners, losers and ratings on a damaging evening for Los Blancos.

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