Real Madrid snatched an unexpected success in the dying seconds on the Valencia pitch. Trailing 1-0 and reduced to 10 against 11, the Merengue were able to turn the situation around thanks to saving goals from Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham. An incredible scenario which allows Real to temporarily take…
Real Madrid made a comeback from hell this Saturday evening on the Valencia pitch. When all seemed lost, the Merengue managed to snatch an improbable 2-1 victory at the end of the suspense. A success which allows Casa Blanca to temporarily take the lead in La Liga.
A completely crazy scenario
Carlo Ancelotti’s men, however, thought they were experiencing a nightmarish evening at Mestalla. Dominated by determined Valencians, the Madrilenians conceded the opener in the 27th minute on a goal from Duro, helped by an apathetic defense. And as if that wasn’t enough, Vinicius Jr was sent off in the 78th minute for a gesture of humor.
With their backs to the wall and outnumbered, Real seemed headed for certain defeat. This was without taking into account the legendary talent and grit of this legendary club. In the 85th minute, veteran Luka Modric, who had barely come on, emerged to equalize with a sublime recovery. Hope was revived.
A saving goal at the end of added time
But Real did not stop there. In the 5th minute of added time, on a final offensive, Jude Bellingham burst out to give his team the victory. The young English prodigy, already decisive on multiple occasions this season, scored his 8th goal, the most important so far.
It’s these kinds of matches and emotions that make Real Madrid great. We always believed in it, until the last second. This team never gives up.
Luka Modric, speaking to journalists after the match
Fears before deliverance
The Merengue were however hot on several occasions in this part. Besides the goal conceded and the red card, clear chances were rare despite the domination. Karim Benzema, surprisingly silent, came up against a great Dimitrievski. Thibaut Courtois had to work on the other side, particularly in the face of André Almeida’s attempts.
Even Aurélien Tchouameni, so valuable in recovery, sometimes seemed overwhelmed in the middle. An unusual lack of control which could have been costly. But it is precisely in these kinds of difficult evenings that the great players and the great teams reveal themselves.
Winning coaching from Ancelotti
And we must also highlight the profitable choices of Carlo Ancelotti. If some will rightly point out that he was slow to make his changes, it is clear that the entries of Camavinga and Modric changed the game. The contribution of the Frenchman in the physical impact and that of the Croatian in the creation brought new life to a team which seemed moribund.
With this painful victory, Real Madrid once again demonstrates its steely mentality. The Madrilenians alone take the lead in the ranking, taking advantage of the missteps of FC Barcelona and Atletico. But nothing is decided yet in this Liga, which is tighter than ever, and which promises us other twists and turns.
A mind of steel worthy of the greatest
Beyond the result, it is the strength of character displayed by the Merengue which will leave its mark. Even when led and reduced to 10, they never gave up, continuing to believe in it despite everything. This improbable scenario perfectly illustrates the special mentality of this unique club, forged by decades of success.
This Real Madrid is in the image of its illustrious predecessors. That of impossible comebacks, of Champions League finals won by a thread. A collective that never gives up, carried by extraordinary individuals. From Modric the eternal to Bellingham the prodigy, including the essential Benzema, there is no shortage of heroes.
But this close victory is also a warning for the competition: this Real Madrid is more determined than ever to retain its national crown. And when we know the capacity of the Madrilenians to sublimate in adversity, there is reason to shudder in the other La Liga clubs.
Towards a new coronation in La Liga?
With this crucial success, Real Madrid takes an important option in the title race. The Merengue are provisionally 2 points ahead of their runner-up Barcelona, pending the Blaugrana match on Sunday. But beyond the numbers, it is the signal sent that is essential.
By winning like this at Mestalla, a stadium where they have often suffered in recent years, the Madrilenians prove that they are ready to do anything to maintain their property. This highly competitive workforce, guided by the experience of executives like Modric or Kroos and energized by the emergence of young talents like Camavinga or Bellingham, has all the assets to reign over Spain.
Of course, nothing has been done yet. Barça, Atletico, even the surprise Villarreal, will have their say. But this Real Madrid exudes a confidence and a strength that command respect. If the Merengue maintain this level and this state of mind, it will be very difficult to prevent them from lifting a new national trophy at the end of the season.
The coming weeks will tell us more about the ability of this group to string together high-level performances. But one thing is certain: with a mentality like that, Real Madrid will always be one step ahead. And that’s what makes the difference at the highest level.
