REAL MADRID proved that anything Barcelona can do they can do better after winning an enthralling match at Villarreal.
On the day that Lionel Messi netted a last gasp goal to secure victory at Atletico Madrid, Zinedine Zidane’s side came from 2-0 down to beat the Yellow Submarine.
But victory came at a huge cost for Gareth Bale as he went off injured following a recurrence of his ankle injury three minutes from time.
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A goalless, if entertaining, first half was overshadowed by an injury to Villarreal goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo.
He was rushed to hospital with an injured knee after a brilliant save from Karim Benzema – an injury that would later cost the home side dear.
But early in the second half, Asenjo’s bad luck appeared to have rallied Villarreal.
A powerful volley from Manu Trigueros put them in front on 49 minutes, before Cedric Bakambu’s cool finish put them 2-0 up six minutes later.
Bale could not have known his night would ultimately end in despair when he headed home a Carvajal cross to put Real Madrid back in it on 64 minutes.
And on 74 minutes Cristiano Ronaldo levelled the scores with a highly controversial penalty.
"Like this, like this, Madrid always win!" was the cry around the stadium as referee Jesus Gil Manzano pointed to the spot for a handball.
Toni Kroos' low drive appeared to deflect off a Villarreal defender's foot and onto Bruno Soriano's shoulder.
Not overly concerned with the rights and wrongs of the decision, Ronaldo slotted the ball into the corner then ran with it back to the centre circle.
And Alvaro Morata headed home the winner with seven minutes left after a gaping error from the Villarreal stand-in goalkeeper.
Former Juventus star Morata only managed to head the ball straight at Andres Fernandez, who carried it over his own goal line to hand Real Madrid victory.
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