Real Madrid snatch a last minute 2-1 victory on the Valencia pitch in a completely crazy match! Trailing then reduced to 10, the Merengue reversed the situation thanks to saving goals from Modric and Bellingham. Mbappé will have been decisive…
What a crazy match between Valencia and Real Madrid this Friday evening at Mestalla! In this late match of the 12th day of La Liga, the reigning European champion won 2-1 on the wire thanks to goals from his midfielders Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham. A victory snatched in pain which allows the Merengue to take the lead in the championship.
A completely crazy scenario
We were playing the 85th minute when Luka Modric, who had just come on, equalized with a subtle deflection from the right on a Bellingham serve. Five minutes later, the Englishman turned into a hero by taking advantage of a big mistake by Valencia defender Guillamon to give Real the advantage. An unexpected outcome for the Madrilenians who had been trailing 1-0 since the 45th minute and a goal from Perez.
Worse, Carlo Ancelotti’s players had to deal with a numerical inferiority during the last 20 minutes after the expulsion of Vinicius for a gesture of humor towards the opposing goalkeeper. The Brazilian star broke down, once again victim of his volcanic temperament. A red card that could have been expensive…
Mbappé feverish but decisive
If Real owes its salvation to its evening heroes Modric and Bellingham, it can also thank Kylian Mbappé. The French star, rather discreet in the first period, weighed in with all his weight in the second act. It was he who caused the missed penalty by Bellingham on the hour mark. And even if he did not score, the Bondynois sparked the Madrid revolt with his activity.
A major success in the title race
With these three points, Real Madrid temporarily takes the lead in La Liga with two points ahead of FC Barcelona, which plays on Sunday. A success which is good for morale after the 3-2 defeat in the clasico just before the world break. The Merengue are ideally launching their year 2025.
It’s a team victory with a lot of personality. We didn’t give up until the end. This is the Madrid mentality. Now we have to continue like this.
Luka Modric after the match
The Valencians may harbor immense regrets. They believed they had a prestigious success waiting for them. Before collapsing in the final moments, punished by individual errors. A cruel scenario.
The tops and flops of the meeting
The tops:
- Luka Modric, still decisive despite his 37 years
- Jude Bellingham, man of the match
- Kylian Mbappé, threatening in the second half
The flops:
- Vinicius, expelled for a bad gesture
- Hugo Guillamon, his goal offers victory to Real
Real continues a 7th match without defeat
| Competition | Opponent | Result |
| Liga | Valence | Victoire 2-1 |
| Liga | Villarreal | Nul 1-1 |
| Champions League | Celtic Glasgow | Victoire 3-1 |
| Liga | Cadiz | Victoire 3-0 |
| Liga | Rayo Vallecano | Victoire 2-1 |
| King’s Cup | Cacereno | Victoire 1-0 |
| Liga | Valladolid | Victoire 2-0 |
For its next match, Real will host Villarreal on January 8 during the 17th day of La Liga. The opportunity to start 2025 at home with an 8th meeting without setbacks in all competitions.
