VILLARREAL CF 4-4 REAL MADRID: ALEXANDER SORLOTH SCORES FOUR GOALS AS LOS BLANCOS PEGGED BACK IN EIGHT-GOAL THRILLER.
Real Madrid were held to a thrilling 4-4 draw by Villarreal CF in a pulsating match at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Sunday.
Alexander Sørloth was the star of the show for the home side, scoring all four of their goals, while Karim Benzema netted a hat-trick for the visitors. Éder Militão also scored for Real Madrid.
The match was a thrilling end-to-end affair, with both sides creating plenty of chances. Real Madrid took the lead in the 22nd minute when Benzema converted a penalty after Juan Foyth had fouled Vinícius Júnior in the box.
Sørloth equalized for Villarreal just five minutes later, tapping home from close range after Gerard Moreno had seen his shot saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid regained the lead in the 33rd minute when Militão headed home from Benzema’s corner. However, Villarreal hit back again just before half-time, with Sørloth scoring his second of the game with a fine finish from the edge of the box.
The second half was even more dramatic than the first. Benzema completed his hat-trick in the 54th minute with a clinical finish from inside the box. However, Sørloth restored parity for Villarreal just two minutes later with another excellent finish.
Villarreal took the lead for the first time in the game in the 63rd minute when Sørloth completed his remarkable four-goal haul with a penalty after David Alaba had fouled Arnaut Danjuma in the box.
Real Madrid thought they had rescued a point in the 86th minute when Benzema scored his fourth goal of the game with a header from close range. However, Villarreal had the final say in the 90th minute when Manu Trigueros scored a dramatic equalizer.
The draw was a fair result in an entertaining match. Real Madrid will be disappointed not to have won the game, but they will take heart from Benzema’s performance. Villarreal, meanwhile, will be delighted with a point that keeps them in the hunt for a Champions League place.
Here are some of the key talking points from the match:
- Alexander Sørloth was the star of the show for Villarreal, scoring all four of their goals. The Norwegian striker has been in excellent form this season, and he will be hoping to continue his goalscoring exploits in the coming weeks.
- Karim Benzema was also in fine form for Real Madrid, scoring a hat-trick. The French striker is one of the best forwards in the world, and he is always a threat to score goals.
- The match was a thrilling end-to-end affair, with both sides creating plenty of chances. Real Madrid will be disappointed not to have won the game, but they will take heart from Benzema’s performance. Villarreal, meanwhile, will be delighted with a point that keeps them in the hunt for a Champions League place.