Real Madrid fight back from 2-0 at the Estadio de la Ceramica through goals from Bale, Cristiano (from the spot) and a late Alvaro Morata header.
Three goals from Real Madrid in a twenty minute spell was enough for Zinedine Zidane's side to, not just secure maximum points in Vila-real but send a clear message to Sevilla and FC Barcelona that they will not give an inch in their battle to secure their 33rd Spanish league title.
Gil Manzano
The home side will feel hard done-by in what proved to be a riveting game in the Estadio de la Ceramica. Fans of the "Yellow Submarine" will point to the harsh penalty that match official Gil Manzano awarded in the 73rd minute that changed the complexion of the match after the ball ricocheted against Bruno's arm. Cristiano duly dispatched the spot kick after Manu Trigueros and Cedric Bakambu had earlier opened the scoring for the home team.
The game was enthralling from the off and despite no score at the break, it was Fran Escriba's men who looked the better team as Madrid looked to bounce back from Wednesday's reverse at Mestalla.
Isco: game changer
The Costa del Sol born midfielder's 58th minute introduction was pivotal in changing the tide of the game as the elegant ball player opened the centre of the field for the visitors and Madrid were able to capitalise on Carvajal and Marcelo getting forward with both player's supplying vital assists for Bale's and Morata's headed goals.
Ronaldo levelled the tie and immediately the the men in yellow wilted and it was a case of not if Madrid would bag the winner but when. Substitute Alvaro Morata was duly on hand to head home with a textbook downward header in the 83rd minute which Villarreal keeper Fernandez failed to deal with and Zidane's side regain their slender one point lead at the top of the table with one game in hand for the men in white.
Three points for Real Madrid but the Gil Manzano penalty decision will make all the headlines as Real Madrid face Las Palmas and Eibar in the next seven days.