Mbappé’s brace helps Real Madrid defeat Villareal for the first time since 2017.
French striker, Kylian Mbappé’s clinical double inspired Real Madrid to a 2-1 comeback victory over Villarreal, reclaiming the La Liga top spot. Madrid, without Vinicius Junior in the starting lineup, endured early pressure as Ayoze Pérez tested Thibaut Courtois with a sharp low strike. The visitors’ defense faltered in the seventh minute when captain Juan Foyth capitalized on Álex Baena’s corner to slot home. Madrid responded swiftly, equalizing in the 17th minute as Mbappé fired through a crowded box after Brahim Díaz’s shot was parried by Diego Conde. The Frenchman then showcased his finishing prowess, curling a superb effort into the corner in the 23rd minute for his 20th league goal. Courtois made a crucial save to deny Nicolas Pépé before halftime, while Foyth and Pérez missed opportunities to level for Villarreal. Madrid held firm for a gritty win, their first at Villarreal in La Liga since 2017. Attention now turns to Barcelona’s clash with Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
First Real Madrid win at Villarreal in La Liga in the last 7 years! ⚪️✨ pic.twitter.com/TILdxwBE7T
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 15, 2025
Chelsea agrees deal to sign another Sporting CP prospect, Dario Essugo.
PL giant, Chelsea have reached an agreement with Sporting CP to sign midfielder Dario Essugo on a seven-year contract, with an option for an additional year. The £18.5m deal includes no add-ons or sell-on clauses. Currently on Loan at Las Palmas, the 20-year-old Portugal Under-21 international has been on Chelsea’s radar for 18 months, valued for his ball-winning ability and fighting spirit. This move follows Chelsea’s reported £42m signing of 17-year-old Quenda for next season, signalling their intent to bolster the squad ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. With a packed schedule, including the Club World Cup, the Blues aim to strengthen midfield depth to ease the load on Moisés Caicedo and others. Essugo’s arrival aligns with Chelsea’s long-term strategy of acquiring top young talent. His tenacity and defensive prowess will be a valuable addition as the club continues investing in the game’s brightest prospects for the future.
🔵🇵🇹 Dario Essugo will be part of Chelsea first team next season as Mathis Amougou will join Strasbourg on loan.
Essugo’s contract will be valid until June 2032 plus option to extend until June 2033. pic.twitter.com/EQi504omJ2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 16, 2025
Manchester City remains at fifth after draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Pep Guardiola’s City were held to a 2-2 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion, denting their hopes of securing European football next season. Erling Haaland opened the scoring with a penalty, becoming the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goal contributions. However, Brighton responded swiftly as Pervis Estupiñán’s free kick caught City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega off guard, bouncing in off the post. City regained the lead through Omar Marmoush after İlkay Gündoğan won possession and set him up for a thunderous finish. Brighton nearly equalized before halftime when João Pedro missed a golden chance following a defensive mix-up. They eventually found their second goal early in the second half when Jack Hinshelwood’s effort deflected off an unsuspecting Abdukodir Khusanov for an own goal. Both teams had opportunities to win, with Nico González hitting the post for City, while Carlos Baleba squandered a big chance for Brighton. The result keeps City fifth, vulnerable to Newcastle overtaking them with a game in hand.
90' — FULL TIME.
Manchester City 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion. pic.twitter.com/tC9DseUSnv
— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) March 15, 2025
Dele Alli handed a red card within 10-minutes in his first game after 2 years.
Former Tottenham star, Dele Alli’s long-awaited return to professional football ended in disappointment as he was sent off just nine minutes into his Como debut. Making his first appearance in 748 days, the midfielder received a straight red card for a foul on Ruben Loftus-Cheek, upgraded from yellow after a VAR review during stoppage time in Como’s 2-1 loss to AC Milan. Former Tottenham teammate Kyle Walker, now at Milan, unsuccessfully pleaded on his behalf, while Como coach Cesc Fabregas was also dismissed for protesting. Fabregas later acknowledged the red card was justified, calling it a serious mistake by an experienced player. Alli, 28, signed an 18-month deal with Como in January after missing the entire 2023-24 season. Once one of England’s brightest talents, his career has struggled in recent years due to injuries and off-field issues. After a stint in rehab, he trained with Como and impressed Fabregas enough to earn a contract, but his comeback started on a sour note.
Kyle Walker was begging the ref not to send off his rival and former teammate Dele Alli. pic.twitter.com/2ZpgjfVLoW
— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) March 15, 2025
Anthony Elanga scores a brace as Nottingham Forest defeats Ipswich Town.
Nottingham Forest strengthened their bid for a top four finish with a commanding 4-2 victory over relegation-threatened Ipswich Town on Saturday. A devastating seven-minute spell saw Forest score three times, leaving Ipswich’s survival hopes in serious doubt. Nikola Milenković opened the scoring in the 35th minute, followed by a quickfire brace from Anthony Elanga, giving Forest a 3-0 halftime lead. Ipswich, sitting 18th and nine points from safety, struggled to respond. Jens Cajuste pulled one back in the 82nd minute, momentarily lifting home fans’ spirits, but substitute Jota Silva restored Forest’s three-goal cushion. George Hirst grabbed a late consolation for Ipswich in stoppage time. Forest remains third in the Premier League with 54 points, five ahead of Chelsea, who have a game in hand and face second-placed Arsenal on Sunday. Meanwhile, Ipswich are effectively 10 points from safety, deepening their relegation worries.
The mighty Forest. 💪 pic.twitter.com/t0o8El6OcZ
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) March 15, 2025