Robben thunderbolt fires Real third

MADRID: A brilliant solo goal from Dutch winger Arjen Robben helped Real Madrid close their gap on runaway leaders Barcelona to 12 points as the champions defeated Villarreal 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

Real coach Juande Ramos handed debuts to French midfielder Lassana Diarra and Dutch international striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar - 40 million euros ($55.1 million) worth of talent - but it was Robben that proved the difference.

The former Chelsea man jinked his way past several opponents - leaving Spanish star Marcos Senna sprawling on the ground - before unleashing an unstoppable 31st minute winner.