Villarreal 1-1 Real Madrid: Moreno’s second-half penalty earns the hosts a draw

Luka Modric-Real Madrid

Los Blancos have dropped points for another game despite an early goal in the first half.

Real Madrid have been handed a draw by Unai Emery’s Villareal, with Gerard Moreno scoring the late equaliser.

Mariano Diaz put the visitors ahead after an early goal, aided by Dani Carvajal’s cross.

Villareal dominated the proceedings after the break and they had a couple of great opportunities to level the score. Gerard Moreno hit his shot wide around the half-hour mark while minutes later, Dani Parejo, who was fed with a low cross by Estupinan, misfired his shot.

However, the Yellow Submarine got their reward for the hard work as Chukwueze won a penalty after being fouled by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Moreno stepped up to the occasion and converted the penalty successfully. The goal also marked the final one of the game as Los Blancos were held to a disappointing draw.

Although Villareal completely deserved the draw for their efforts in the second period, Madrid couldn’t dominate the game despite the early lead.

It marked the second draw of the La Liga this season for Los Blancos, who were beaten by Valencia before the international break.

Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is under more pressure now in his managerial career after a fluctuating start to the season.

Meanwhile, Villarreal will cherish the draw, which has put them second in the table behind leaders Real Sociedad.

Unai Emery’s men haven’t suffered a defeat since their opening game against Barcelona in which the Yellow Submarine lost 4-0.