Real Madrid’s visit to the Mestalla stadium usually pays off and this Friday (03/01) was no different. The duel had a missed penalty, a disallowed goal, the traditional provocations against Vinicius Jr., who ended up being sent off, and a Real Madrid comeback in the 50th minute of the second half, when the team was already one down.
Hugo Duro opened the scoring for Valencia. Modric equalized and Bellingham made amends for the missed penalty, scoring the goal that secured Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory.
The goal was essential as it guaranteed Real Madrid’s provisional leadership in La Liga: with one game more, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are at the top with 43 points, two more than second place Atlético de Madrid.
On the other hand, Valencia continues to experience drama, in second place in La Liga, with just 12 points in 18 games – two wins, six draws and, now, 10 defeats.
MORE: Vinicius Jr. expelled: what was the Real Madrid Brazilian’s confusion against Valencia?
Valencia x Real Madrid: how it was
Even playing at the Mestalla, Real Madrid came in as favorites for the match, as happens in most stadiums where they play. However, Valencia came looking for the game and presented danger at several moments, forcing goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to perform true miracles.
At 26, the archer made another great save, but on the rebound, Hugo Duro completed the ball into an empty goal and opened the scoring at Mestalla.
On the other hand, Real Madrid suffered from Valencia’s strong defensive marking and the team’s main names managed to create little. The best opportunity came from a shot by Vinicius Jr. from the left, saved by Dimitrievski at the end of the 1st half.
At the beginning of the second half, Vinicius Jr. stole the ball and passed it to Mbappé. The Frenchman invaded the area and was brought down. On the kick, Bellingham wasted the first penalty of his career, putting the ball on the post.
At 13, however, Real Madrid did not fail. Vinicius Jr. called Bellingham, who found Mbappé invading the area. The Frenchman dribbled past the goalkeeper and found the net, however, the number 9 was in an offside position and the goal was disallowed.
Real Madrid continued their momentum, attacking Valencia and creating chances. However, they were unable to take advantage of the opportunities created and frustration got the better of them. At 32, Dimitrievski provoked Vinicius Jr., who retaliated with aggression. During the VAR review, the Brazilian was sent off.
With one down, Ancelotti took off Ceballos and put on Modric, in an extremely happy move. Five minutes later, in a plot with Bellingham, the Croatian veteran invaded the area and shot low, hard, tying the match.
When the game looked like it would end in a draw, Real Madrid, however, continued to press and, when Valencia’s ball was released, Guillamón delayed the ball incorrectly and left Bellingham in front of goal to turn the match around and give the Merengues the victory.
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Valencia x Real Madrid: goals
Valencia surprised and opened the scoring at 26 in the first half. Javi Guerra shot hard from the right and Courtois managed to save, but gave the rebound for Hugo Duro to complete in the open goal.
Real Madrid equalized in the 39th minute, after the expulsion of Vinicius Jr. Modric received a beautiful pass from Bellingham at the edge of the area, and finished off Dimitrievski to tie the duel.
MODRIC STARTED AND FINISHED THE GAME! 🇭🇷🔥 REAL MADRID EQUALING GOAL!
Valencia 1×1 Real Madrid
— SportsCenter Brasil (@SportsCenterBR)
Already at 50, Real Madrid reached the turning point: after putting pressure on Valencia’s defense, Guillamón made a serious error, delaying without force and leaving Bellingham in the face of goal. The Englishman did not forgive.
BELLIGOL! IT’S HIM! ✋🤚 Bellingham commanded Real Madrid’s turnaround against Valencia with this goal IN ADDITIONS! BRABO JUST! 👊
Valencia 1×2 Real Madrid (end of game)
— SportsCenter Brasil (@SportsCenterBR)
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