Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe (right) in action against Villarreal's Alexander Freeman during their La Liga match. (EPA Images pic) MADRID: Yan Diomande earned Real Madrid a tight 1-0 victory over Villarreal on Saturday to keep them six points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, even though winger Vinicius Junior was sent off for hair-pulling.
Brazil international Vinicius, on as a substitute, scored but his goal was disallowed and then he was dismissed after a VAR review showed he pulled the hair of Villarreal's Nathan Saliba.
Jose Mourinho's Madrid battled through the final stages with 10 men but held on to win and go provisionally third.
Champions Barca lead La Liga after a 3-0 win over Getafe, while Atletico Madrid are five points behind in second after they edged Alaves 2-1.
