Real Madrid held by Villarreal as Mbappe misses first-half chance

Real Madrid were held to a goalless draw by Villarreal at half-time in their La Liga week eight meeting, despite creating the clearest opportunity of the opening period through Kylian Mbappe.

Real Madrid had 59% possession compared with Villarreal’s 41%, and controlled much of the play in midfield with a series of consecutive passes.

Villarreal threatened first when Pape Gueye advanced towards the edge of the penalty area and sent a shot narrowly wide of the left post. Alberto Moleiro later found space from a medium distance, but his effort flew well over the crossbar and went out for a Real Madrid goal kick.

At the other end, Mbappe missed a clear chance after making room inside the penalty area. His shot was directed towards the centre of the goal, but Villarreal goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi dealt with it comfortably.

Real Madrid continued to look for an opening down the flanks. Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a cross which the Villarreal defence cleared from danger, before another attempted pass from the Real Madrid player was too powerful for any team-mate to reach.

Alexander-Arnold tried again with a cross, but the ball was intercepted before it could reach the penalty area. Yan Diomande also created space for himself and looked to send the ball into the box, only for a defender to intervene at the right moment.

Arda Guler’s corner was lifted into the area, where a Villarreal defender rose first to head the ball clear. A further dangerous cross from Diomande was also dealt with by the visitors’ defence.

Jude Bellingham was shown a yellow card by referee Isidro Diaz for a challenge deemed worthy of a booking. The Real Madrid midfielder later attempted to lift a pass behind the Villarreal defensive line, but the ball was diverted away in time for a corner.

Villarreal’s Sergi Cardona was unable to make the most of two promising situations. His pass towards the penalty area was intercepted, while another attempted delivery was overhit and ran out of play for a Real Madrid throw-in.

Ayoze Perez went on an individual run for Villarreal, but a Real Madrid defender stopped him before he could pose a threat. Renato Veiga was also booked by Isidro Diaz for a clear foul.

Fede Valverde tried to play a pass into the penalty area, but the defence cut it out before it reached its intended targets. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois then sent a long ball towards Mbappe, although Villarreal’s well-organised defence cleared it successfully.

Antonio Rudiger came closest to breaking the deadlock late in the half, rising to meet a well-delivered cross. His header, however, went just past the left post.