Real Madrid inflict another savage comeback on Valencia, as Jude Bellingham avenges his previous failure at the Mestalla against referee Gil Manzano. Bellingham scored an injury-time goal to seal victory for a hard-fought Valencia side, which marked the debut of their new manager Carlos Corberán. The match saw Luka Modric equalize shortly after entering the field, responding to Hugo Duro’s opening goal for the home side in the first half.
The Croatian came to the rescue of a team that had lost its composure during another heated encounter at the Mestalla, and did so just as Modric reached the top ten of the club’s all-time appearances list, drawing level with Pirri and Michel have 561 matches. This victory allowed the team to emerge from a slump following a missed penalty from Bellingham, a goal disallowed for Mbappé due to a tight offside, and another red card for Vinicius on this cursed ground , which has been problematic for both him and his team lately.
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However, Real Madrid ended their losing streak in Valencia with a victory that propelled them to the top of La Liga for the first time since being crowned champions last season. Bellingham’s decisive goal, their seventh in the last eight games, showed Real Madrid’s resilience, although they took advantage of a last-minute attempt that hit Rioja’s post.
The victory also positions Real Madrid to claim the honorary title of winter champions, pending Atletico Madrid’s performance against Osasuna next week, while Valencia remain mired in relegation worries but have found some solace in his combative performance despite the heavy punishment he received.
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Valencia’s new coach deserves credit for his side’s fearless approach, pressing high against Real Madrid and finally rewarded with Hugo Duro’s goal just before the half-hour mark. Courtois had kept his team afloat with remarkable saves against Duro and then Foulquier, but he could not prevent the striker from scoring his third consecutive goal against his former club, expertly finishing off a rebound from a Javi Guerra attempt. Real Madrid protested for a foul on Rodrygo by Yarek leading to the goal, but neither Soto Grado nor the VAR responded to their calls. It was an equally contentious moment when Vinicius faced a challenge from Tárrega, igniting the Brazilian’s notorious temper.
Real Madrid struggled on the flanks, particularly on Lucas Vázquez’s side, and failed to exploit the risks taken by Valencia. Some indecision from goalkeeper Dimitrievski caused unease among Che fans, who were critical of Peter Lim’s management, both on and off the field. Valverde’s long-range attempt went just over the bar, while Vinicius had a slim chance which he was unable to make good on, leaving the first half with visible frustrations which grew in the second half.
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The second half further compounded Real Madrid’s worries with a penalty saved by Bellingham hitting the post after a foul on Mbappé and a goal disallowed for the Frenchman due to offside. These incidents solidified Valencia’s defensive posture as they fortified their area to resist Real Madrid’s advances.
Real Madrid settled into the opposition’s half and nearly equalized with Rodrygo’s header off Tchouaméni’s cross that skimmed the crossbar, but Vinicius’ red card for an altercation with Dimitrievski seemed to signal disaster for Los Blancos. Despite this adversity, Ancelotti’s men managed to recover and advance in La Liga.
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