ISTANBUL

Real Madrid defeated Villarreal 2-0 in week nine of the Spanish La Liga on Saturday.

Federico Valverde broke the deadlock for Real Madrid with a stunning strike from outside the box in the 14th minute at Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos (the Whites) doubled the lead when Vinicius Jr made a long-range missile in the 73rd minute.

Real Madrid are second in the league with 21 points, ahead of third-place Villarreal, who have racked up 17 points.

Boasting 21 points, Barcelona are at the top of the standings on a goal difference with a game in hand.