Real Madrid triumphed over Valencia 2-1 at the Mestalla, capturing first place in La Liga, Spain.
Goals from Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham saw Real Madrid turn things around in a thrilling match where Valencia had initially taken the lead through Hugo Duro. Despite a missed penalty by Bellingham, a canceled goal for Kylian Mbappé, and a direct red card for Vinícius, Real Madrid managed to turn the situation around and assert their domination in LaLiga.
Hugo Duro opened the scoring for Valencia in the 27th minute, and the home side held onto their lead until the final moments of the match, where Luka Modric equalized in the 85th minute, followed by Bellingham’s dramatic stoppage-time goal ( 90+5).
Before this late resurgence, Madrid had been frustrated in the second half, with Bellingham hitting the post from the penalty spot and VAR canceling out a legitimate Kylian Mbappé goal.
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This match, part of the 12th day of the season, was initially scheduled for the end of October but was postponed due to the tragic floods which devastated the Valencia region, causing more than two hundred victims.
After more than two months since that disaster, Valencia fans were depressed, especially as the match marked the debut of their new coach Carlos Corberán, who replaced Rubén Baraja following disappointing results before Christmas.
In the standings, Real Madrid now occupy first place with 43 points, two ahead of Atlético Madrid (41), who have a game in hand over their local rivals.
FC Barcelona follows in third place with 38 points, five lengths behind Real Madrid.
For Valencia (currently 19th), this defeat deepens their crisis, as they now find themselves four points from the safety zone.
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Real Madrid ended 2024 on a high note, having won the Intercontinental Cup against Mexican side Pachuca (3-0) and triumphing over Sevilla 4-2 in La Liga. They were able to maintain their winning streak despite the challenges encountered during this inaugural match of the new year.
However, they won’t have long to celebrate, as they face CD Minera, a fourth division side, in the Round of 32 of the Copa del Rey on Monday.
The next day, they will travel to Saudi Arabia to participate in the Spanish Super Cup, where they will meet Mallorca in the semi-final next Thursday.
