×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Home To Bold Columnists
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

Real Madrid return to top, Barca and Atletico drop points

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid celebrates his goal during the La Liga football match between Real Madrid and Villareal CF in Madrid, Spain, Dec. 17, 2023. [Xinhua]

Real Madrid enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 win at home to Villarreal to return to the top of La Liga, but risk losing defender David Alaba for an extended period after he was carried off in the first half with what appeared a serious knee injury.

Madrid took advantage of the fact that Girona don't play Alaves until Monday, with Jude Bellingham putting them ahead in the 24th minute with a header from a Luka Modric cross.

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.
Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access.
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimized reading experience
  • Weekly Newsletters
  • MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted
Already a subscriber? Log in
Football
Floods sweep away newly commissioned Kinyago Sports Ground in Nairobi
By AFP 6 hrs ago
Football
Laporta stopped Messi's Barcelona return to avoid power struggle, Xavi says
By AFP 6 hrs ago
Football
Troubled Tottenham haunted by European ghosts in Atletico clash
By AFP 6 hrs ago
Football
Newcastle eye history in Champions League clash with Barcelona