Villarreal 2-1 Real Madrid: Los Blancos slip to only their second defeat of the La Liga season

Real Madrid suffered just their second La Liga defeat of the season as they missed the chance to return to the top of the table by losing to Villarreal.

Foyth then won a penalty of his own at the other end when David Alaba handled and Gerard Moreno slotted home the winner.

Real remain second, level on points with leaders Barcelona, ​​who visit Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Villarreal climbed to fifth after a deserved third win in a row, having created the better chances in an entertaining affair at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

Alex Baena went close on several occasions during a first half the hosts bossed, while Francis Coquelin hit the post with a cheeky backheel from Moreno’s cross.

Benzema created Real’s best first-half opening with a cushioned first-time volley for Vinicius Jr, but the Brazil striker was denied by veteran goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

Ferland Mendy’s misplaced pass led to Pino firing Villarreal ahead early in the second half, but after a ball over the top caught Foyth’s hand, the referee awarded a penalty after looking at the pitch.

Benzema converted his 227th La Liga goal to become sixth on the all-time top scorers list, alongside Real legend Alfredo di Stefano.

But any injustice the hosts felt soon disappeared when Alaba slipped and handled Foyth’s low pass as he put his hand to the ground to steady himself, while Moreno coolly sent Thibaut Courtois the wrong way from the spot after loud Real appeals finally died down.