Real Madrid endured a frustrating start to the new year as they drew 2-2 at struggling Villarreal on Thursday and were left seven points behind La Liga leaders FC Barcelona. Apart from conceding the early goal, Real Madrid produced an impressive display in the first half. But Real Madrid could still have snatched a winner when substitute Isco burst into the area but was denied by Villarreal goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo. “We wanted to kill the game off and they put us under a lot of pressure as they were at home and they badly needed the points,” Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari said. “This result will give us strength,” said Villarreal coach Garcia, who has taken two points from two games since succeeding the sacked Javi Calleja.

Source: Punch January 04, 2019 10:18 UTC