Real Madrid suffered a defeat in their attempt to win the La Liga title for a second year in a row after losing 2-1 to Villarreal in a match filled with excitement and controversy. The defending champions missed an opportunity to go to the top of the La Liga table with a win or draw.

Villarreal, led by Samuel Chukwueze, were not intimidated in front of a packed stadium at their renovated El Madrigal home, and they attacked Real Madrid from the start, securing a victory that gives them hope of achieving a top-four finish and earning a UEFA Champions League spot, according to Sportingnews.

Real Madrid, who started the match without a single Spanish player for the first time in their competitive history, are guaranteed to remain in second place in the La Liga standings as they watch leaders Barcelona play against Atletico Madrid on Sunday. If Barcelona wins, they will take a three-point lead at the top of the table.

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Villarreal forward Gerard Moreno scored a goal and provided an assist as his team deservedly won all three points. Real Madrid never found their attacking rhythm, which was also due to the excellent defensive play by Villarreal. The referee, Cesar Soto Grado called two penalties within a span of four minutes in the second half, both