Alexander Sorloth produced a remarkable second-half hat-trick as Villarreal drew 4-4 with Real Madrid in a La Liga thriller. Real Madrid took a 4-1 lead at the break with goals from Arda Guler, Joselu, and Lucas Vazquez, but Sorloth’s quick-fire hat-trick in the second half brought the hosts level. Sorloth’s four goals saw him take the lead in the Pichichi race, but Villarreal can no longer qualify for European football next season. Real Madrid, who had already wrapped up the league title, played a weakened line-up ahead of their Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.
Arda Guler opened the scoring for Real Madrid with a clinical finish, followed by goals from Joselu and Vazquez. Sorloth’s goal at 2-0 down appeared to be a consolation, but he went on to score three more in the second half to bring Villarreal level. Captain Gerard Moreno set up all three second-half goals for Sorloth, who finished smartly on his left foot. Villarreal pressed for a winner but could not find one, remaining in eighth place in the table, four points behind Real Betis in the final European spot. Real Madrid, despite the draw, remain 12 points clear at the top of the table and are already champions.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid were tested by Villarreal, exposing defensive weaknesses ahead of their Champions League final. Eder Militao had a difficult time in central defense against Sorloth, prompting questions about the partnership with Antonio Rudiger for the final. Arda Guler’s form may have put him in contention for a starting spot against Dortmund, providing a spark of energy if needed. Sorloth’s four-goal performance against Madrid, who had only conceded 22 goals all season, was a standout achievement.
Alexander Sorloth was the standout player of the match, scoring all four goals for Villarreal in their comeback against Real Madrid. Sorloth’s performance as a center forward was described as perfect, showcasing his finishing abilities and composure in front of goal. Guler also had a special first half for Real Madrid, but Sorloth’s hat-trick was the defining factor in the match. The player ratings for both teams reflected the impact of Sorloth and Guler on the game, with Sorloth receiving a perfect 10 rating.
The match highlights included Guler’s opener for Real Madrid, Sorloth’s header for Villarreal’s first goal, and his subsequent three goals in the second half to complete the comeback. Gerard Moreno played a crucial role in setting up Sorloth for his goals, showcasing his creativity and vision on the pitch. The key stats from the game highlighted Sorloth’s standout performance, as well as Real Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities that were exploited by Villarreal. Despite the draw, both teams had standout individual performances that made for an exciting and dramatic La Liga encounter.
