Real Madrid Thrash Villarreal To Go Top But David Alaba Injured

Real Madrid cruised to a 4-1 win over Villarreal on Sunday to move top of La Liga but their night was tarnished when defender David Alaba suffered a serious knee injury. Carlo Ancelotti's side are a point ahead of Catalan minnows Girona, who host Alaves on Monday and will be looking to reclaim pole position. Spain's top scorer Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock for Madrid with his 13th league goal of the season before Rodrygo Goes doubled their lead. Villarreal pulled one back through Jose Luis Morales, but Brahim Diaz scored a superb solo goal to restore Madrid's advantage.

Luka Modric drove home the fourth as Madrid fans celebrated a sizeable victory in their final home match of the year.

Madrid's joy was tempered by Alaba's injury, confirmed by the club in a statement, saying the defender needs surgery.

The Austrian joins a long list of players out, including Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao and Eduardo Camavinga, all with knee injuries, and winger Vinicius Junior among others.

Ancelotti said Alaba's injury was "very sad" but praised his team's performance.

"We think we are doing very well, it was one of our best games," said the coach.

The highlight of the night was Diaz's fine individual strike.

"It's the kind of move I usually try, today it went in, so I'm very happy," Diaz told Real Madrid TV.

"(I'm happy) for the team's work, we did a great job today and I'm happy for the goal and for the win."

Former Manchester City midfielder Diaz is striking up a fruitful relationship with Bellingham and Rodrygo in attack.

"We understand each other well, we all get along because it's an incredible group, we are very united and you see that on the pitch," he added.

Ancelotti put his faith in England international Bellingham to