Rodrygo added a second for Real after an offside decision was overturned by a Video Assistant Referee (VAR), but Jose Luis Morales halved the deficit after the break.

However, Villarreal's hopes were short-lived as Brahim Diaz and Modric scored within four minutes of each other in the second half to seal the three points.

Carlo Ancelotti's side were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Betis and replaced at the top of the table last weekend by Girona, who beat Barcelona 4-2.

But Girona, playing only their fourth-ever top-flight season, can leapfrog Real Madrid again if they beat Alaves on Monday.

• Reaction as Real Madrid beat Villarreal

Fresh from topping their Champions League group with a 100% record, Real piled the pressure on a Villarreal side determined to play out from the back.

Bellingham missed a chance to give the hosts an early opener, but he didn't have to wait long to make amends, heading home a superb chipped cross from Modric, who had clipped the crossbar moments earlier.

The former Birmingham City midfielder has now scored 17 goals in 20 appearances since his 103m euros (£88m) move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.

After Rodrygo's close-range finish was allowed to stand, Villarreal pounced with their first chance of the second half as Morales held off pressure from Nacho and Antonio Rudiger to slot past keeper Andriy Lunin in the 54th minute.

However, Diaz danced through the Villarreal defence and unleashed a low strike to re-establish Real's lead in the 64th minute before Modric latched on to a loose ball to claim the fourth goal.

It was not all good news for Los Blancos, though, as full-back David Alaba limped off the pitch in the first half with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.