Real Madrid break distinctive 4,435-match streak in 2-1 loss to Villareal

Spanish giants Real Madrid broke a 4,435-match streak in opposition to Villarreal once they named a beginning XI with out together with a single Spanish participant for the primary time within the membership’s historical past, in keeping with Daily Mail.

There have been three French gamers (Aurelien Tchouameni, Ferland Mendy and Karim Benzema), two Brazilians (Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao), two Germans (Antonio Rudiger and Toni Kroos), a Croatian (Luka Modric), an Austrian (David Alaba), an Uruguayan (Federico Valverde) and Belgian shot stopper Thibaut Courtois in aim.

Lucas Vazquez, Marco Asensio, Dani Ceballos, Nacho Fernandez, Jesus Vallejo and Luis Lopez have been the six Spanish gamers named on the bench by coach Carlo Ancelotti with Asensio and Vazquez later making their approach on the pitch as substitutes.

📋✅ Our beginning 𝗫𝗜 🆚
@VillarrealCF! #VillarrealRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/EsNvU29aa6

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 7, 2023

The Los Blancos suffered a 2-1 defeat at Villarreal after a aim and help from striker Gerard Moreno, giving leaders Barcelona an opportunity to maneuver forward within the title race.

Real keep second, degree on 38 factors with Barca who go to fourth-placed Atletico Madrid on Sunday, whereas Villarreal’s third straight league win strikes them as much as fifth spot.

Villarreal dominated from the beginning, with Francis Coquelin rattling the woodwork within the fifth minute earlier than Yeremy Pino was denied by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from shut vary, however the hosts have been unable to interrupt the impasse within the first half.

There was no let up from Villarreal after the break although and the strain advised within the forty seventh minute when Moreno set Pino free to cost at aim and unleash a fierce shot into the web. Villarreal have been briefly pegged again when a handball by Juan Foyth gave the guests a penalty, which was expertly dispatched by Karim Benzema on the hour.

The hosts obtained a penalty of their very own two minutes later when a falling David Alaba dealt with the ball. Moreno transformed from the spot after Madrid’s protests had calmed down, sending Courtois the improper option to safe the win.