Real Madrid have recorded 43 points in the EA Sports LaLiga, two more than their closest rival Atlético Madrid.
Goals from Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham saved Real Madrid on Friday at Mestalla (1-2) in a match that had been postponed due to severe weather conditions, where Valencia had initially taken the lead thanks to Hugo Duro. However, the visitors showed fighting spirit to claim top spot in the EA Sports LaLiga, after a missed penalty by Bellingham, a Mbappé goal disallowed and a red card for Vinícius, leaving the team with ten players.
Real Madrid started strong, with Valverde needing just six minutes to fire powerfully from distance. Although his shot was somewhat central, Dimitrievski managed to clear it.
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Despite their precarious situation, Valencia responded quickly with a chance for Hugo Duro, which Courtois saved with exceptional reflexes. The Valencia players had a clear game plan, attacking mainly from the left flank with Luis Rioja, who was instrumental in creating their first chance.
After this surge, Real Madrid regained control with Vinícius and Bellingham in fine form, but they were faced with a strong Valencia defensive line. Despite their young age, Tárrega, Mosquera and Yarek remained resolute, and whenever Carlo Ancelotti’s men found a way through, there was always Dimitrievski to stop them.
Valencia charged again, and in the 27th minute, Mestalla broke. Courtois made a fantastic save against Javi Guerra, but the ball fell free, and Hugo Duro pushed it into the back of the net.
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After the break, the match lacked a clear dominator until the 53rd minute, when Mbappé entered the box and won a penalty against Tárrega. Bellingham came forward to take the penalty… but hit the post.
Mestalla exploded with joy like never before, but Mbappé silenced the century-old stadium with a goal which was later ruled out for offside, reviving the home crowd. The siege of Madrid was relentless, but Corberán’s men held firm, defending resolutely.
In the 76th minute, after an exchange between Dimitrievski and Vinícius, where the goalkeeper encouraged Vinícius to get up, the Brazilian retaliated against the Macedonian and received a red card after a VAR review. The chant “Vinícius, beach ball” rang out louder than ever, but you can never underestimate the White team.
Modric came on and, just five minutes later, equalized with a delicate touch to slide the ball past Dimitrievski. With the match tied 1-1, Soto Grado added nine minutes, during which Real Madrid took the lead thanks to a gift from Guillamón, following a poor pass from Foulquier that Bellingham exploited. In the 100th minute, Luis Rioja hit the crossbar in a desperate attempt to equalize for a Valencia side that struggled until the end.
