Real Madrid vs Valencia Review
Hugo Duro scored a last-minute goal in the 95th minute, leading Valencia to a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, thus ending their longest winless streak in league encounters and moving them seven points clear of the relegation zone. Early on, all eyes were on 19-year-old Fran González, who was making his debut as a goalkeeper for Real, but he struggled to find his footing after a shaky backpass from Lucas Vázquez. Meanwhile, Giorgi Mamardashvili, the opposing goalkeeper, faced a penalty from Vinícius Júnior after Kylian Mbappé was fouled by César Tárrega, and he successfully saved the weak attempt.
Just two minutes later, Mouctar Diakhaby powerfully headed in a corner from André Almeida, leaving Fran with no chance and giving Valencia an unexpected lead. After Almeida and Diakhaby collaborated for the first goal, a miscommunication nearly led to a disastrous own goal by Diakhaby, but he was saved from embarrassment as Mbappé was offside. Los Blancos’ frustration nearly increased when Tárrega’s header from a corner went just wide. The home team continued to move the ball methodically against a strong Valencia defense, with Mbappé persistently seeking an equalizer. He had one shot deflected just wide, another attempt tipped over, and also struck the post.
Jude Bellingham came close to scoring before halftime, but Los Blancos equalized just five minutes into the second half when Bellingham redirected Luka Modrić’s corner to the back post, allowing Vinícius Júnior to score. The pressure mounted on Los Ches as Diakhaby blocked a shot from Rodrygo, who then headed the ball wide shortly after. The visitors still forced Fran into a save when Tárrega’s header hit Diakhaby, but they quickly returned to defense, with Mamardashvili stopping Federico Valverde and Jesús Vázquez making a great clearance ahead of Lucas Vázquez.
Endrick and Rafa Mir both had their shots blocked, but Mir later provided a precise cross that allowed Duro to score a thrilling winning goal. Mamardashvili quickly came out to stop Antonio Rüdiger, securing the victory for Valencia and marking their first five-game unbeaten streak since October 2022, putting them seven points clear of 18th-place Leganés. Additionally, they dealt a significant blow to Real Madrid, who now find themselves 4 points behind leaders Barcelona.
