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May 20, 2024

Villarreal CF 4-4 Real Madrid: Alexander Sorloth Shines in Eight-Goal Thriller – La Liga

In a dramatic La Liga clash, Alexander Sorloth scored four times as Villarreal rallied to draw 4-4 with Real Madrid, who squandered a three-goal lead. Carlo Ancelotti significantly changed his lineup, with only Eder Militao and Federico Valverde starting from the team that triumphed 5-0 over Alaves on Tuesday. Despite leading 4-1 at halftime, Real Madrid watched in disbelief as Sorloth orchestrated a stunning comeback.

Real Madrid seemed poised for an easy victory after Arda Guler’s brace and goals from Joselu and Lucas Vazquez put them ahead 4-1 at the break. Sorloth’s first goal, scored when Villarreal was down 2-0, appeared to be a mere consolation, but his rapid-fire hat trick within eight minutes in the second half leveled the score.

The 28-year-old took the lead in the Pichichi race with his four goals. Still, Villarreal’s failure to secure all three points means they can no longer qualify for European football next season. For Real Madrid, Ancelotti likely won’t be overly worried about the result, given they’ve already clinched the league title and fielded a weakened squad ahead of their UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

Guler opened the scoring with a well-executed finish following impressive team play. Joselu extended the lead with a brilliant header, marking his tenth league goal of the season.

Sorloth’s impressive headed goal was quickly matched by a tidy finish from Vazquez. Still, Guler soon looked to seal the game with his second, making it 4-1 for Madrid. At halftime, Marcelino made three changes, but captain Gerard Moreno, returning from injury, set up all three second-half goals. He delivered an excellent cross for Sorloth’s second header and was involved in an intricate passing that led to two more strikes, both finished smartly by the Norwegian with his left foot.

Villarreal appeared more likely to find a winner, with Sorloth coming closest as they pushed for all three points. However, the draw leaves them in eighth place, four points behind Real Betis, who occupy the final European spot, with only one match remaining. Meanwhile, Real Madrid remains 12 points clear at the top of the table, having been crowned champions earlier this month. Still, their wait for an away victory at Villarreal in La Liga has now stretched to seven games.

Talking Point: Ruthless Sorloth Exploits Madrid’s Defensive Weakness

Carlo Ancelotti might have welcomed the challenge his team faced after a streak of nine wins and four clean sheets in La Liga as they gear up for their showdown at Wembley. The collapse at the start of the second half raised questions about his selection choices as they pursue their 15th Champions League title.

Eder Militao struggled mightily in central defense against the in-form Sorloth, leading to his substitution shortly after the striker’s fourth goal. The Brazilian was overmatched in all aspects, and with uncertainty surrounding who will partner Antonio Rudiger, today’s performance may have provided some clarity.

While Ancelotti appears set on his attacking strategy against Dortmund, Arda Guler’s fourth goal in three games has positioned him as a potential game-changer if the team needs a spark.

Player of the Match: Alexander Sorloth (Villarreal)

While Guler deserves recognition for his standout first half, Sorloth delivered a flawless center-forward display, scoring four goals to spearhead Villarreal’s comeback against a Madrid side that conceded just 22 goals all season—a remarkable achievement.

Player Ratings

Villarreal:

Jorgensen 6, Bailly 5, Mosquera 6, Cuenca 5, A. Moreno 7, Akhomach 5, Parejo 6, Comesana 6, G. Moreno 8, Guedes 7, Sorloth 10.

Subs: Albiol 6, Coquelin 7, Traore 7, Capoue 6, Terrats 5.

Real Madrid:

Lunin 6, Vazquez 8, Militao 4, Rudiger 5, Garcia 6, Valverde 6, Ceballos 6, Modric 7, Guler 9, Joselu 7, Diaz 7.

Subs: Camavinga 7, Nacho 6, Rodrygo 6, Martin 6.

Match Highlights

15′ – GOAL! VILLARREAL 0-1 REAL MADRID (Arda Guler):

Diaz finds the Turkish youngster Guler, who takes a great first touch onto his left foot and finishes neatly into the bottom right corner.

39′ – GOAL! VILLARREAL 1-2 REAL MADRID (Alexander Sorloth):

Mosquera dispossesses Ceballos and delivers a brilliant pass with the outside of his boot to Sorloth, who heads it perfectly into the bottom left corner.

48′ – GOAL! VILLARREAL 2-4 REAL MADRID (Alexander Sorloth):

Gerard Moreno provides an excellent in-swinging cross from the right. Sorloth heads it in, replicating his earlier goal to beat Lunin in the bottom left corner.

52′ – GOAL! VILLARREAL 3-4 REAL MADRID (Alexander Sorloth):

Moreno slips Sorloth through; he strikes early, and although Militao’s block fortuitously returns to him, Sorloth maintains his composure to curl it past Lunin with his left foot.

56′ – GOAL! VILLARREAL 4-4 REAL MADRID (Alexander Sorloth):

Moreno combines with Guedes before finding Sorloth again with an outside-of-the-boot pass. The Norwegian opens his body and slots it home with his left foot into the bottom right corner.

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