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Real Madrid return to top, Barca and Atletico drop points

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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.

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