VIDEO Real Madrid 2-0 Villarreal Highlights, Goals: Crisitano Ronaldo, Luka Modric Score In Close Victory

It wasn’t quite the offensive onslaught compared to last week’s incredible eight-goal performance, but Real Madrid managed to climb back into the La Liga race with a 2-0 victory over Villarreal Saturday at Estadio El Madrigal.

Los Blancos are now fourth on the domestic league table and are well ahead of every other club with 20 goals scored on the season. Midfielder Luka Modric scored his first goal of the season in the 32nd minute, and Cristiano Ronaldo followed up eight minutes later with his 10th goal, though the Portuguese was looking to extend his streak of hat tricks to three straight games.

But, facing a much stronger club in Villarreal than the crumbling Depor, Madrid didn’t display its full offensive firepower and the Yellow Submarine remained within striking distance throughout the match. At the half, neither team staked their claim as the more aggressive squad, with each registering three shots on goal and Madrid holding only a slight possession advantage.

Still Los Blancos would use their superior passing technique and speed along the wings to pull out the win.

In the 32nd minute, Madrid passed the ball at will through Villarreal’s backline and midfield, with Toni Kroos finding Modric at the top of the box for a deep right-footed shot that sailed into bottom left corner of the net.

Forward Karim Benzema then chased down a high-arcing ball deep into Villarreal’s area, cut back and found Ronaldo unmarked in the center of the box for a simple strike and 2-0 lead. It was the third assist of the season for the Frenchman.