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VALENCIA 1 REAL MADRID 2
Real Madrid showcased grit and determination in the rearranged 12th-round League match at Mestalla, securing a 2-1 late victory to reclaim the top spot in La Liga. Despite being reduced to 10 men after Vini Jr.’s 79th-minute red card, goals from Luka Modrić and Jude Bellingham in the dying moments delivered a sensational victory for Ancelotti’s side.
The first half was a high-intensity affair, defying expectations for a post-holiday clash. Real Madrid came close to opening the scoring within five minutes when Lucas Vázquez set up Valverde, whose powerful strike was thwarted by Dimitrievski. Valencia responded with two dangerous opportunities, but Courtois produced brilliant saves to deny Hugo Duro and Foulquier.
Valencia eventually broke the deadlock in the 27th minute. Courtois initially parried Javi Guerra’s effort, but Hugo Duro pounced on the rebound to slot home. The goal, however, was shrouded in controversy as Madrid protested an alleged foul on Rodrygo during the buildup.
Madrid pushed for an equalizer before the break, creating chances through long-range strikes by Tchouameni and Valverde, and a one-on-one opportunity for Vini Jr., which Dimitrievski saved brilliantly.
Second Half Drama
The tempo slowed slightly in the second half, but Madrid’s resolve remained steadfast. In the 52nd minute, Mbappé was brought down in the box by Tárrega, with the referee pointing to the spot. However, Bellingham failed to convert as his shot struck the post. Madrid appeared to equalize in the 60th minute through Mbappé, but VAR disallowed the goal for a marginal offside.
The pressure continued to mount, with Rüdiger’s cross in the 67th minute finding Rodrygo, whose header narrowly missed the mark. Yet, more controversy in the 78th minute. Vini Jr., after, having been slapped on the back by Dimitrievski while on the ground, the Brazilian retaliated by shoving the goalkeeper. Following a VAR review, he was shown a red card, leaving Madrid to fight back with ten men.
A Stunning Comeback
Undeterred, Real Madrid demonstrated their trademark fighting spirit. In the 85th minute, Bellingham provided a perfectly timed assist for Modrić, who calmly finished in a one-on-one situation with the Valencia goalkeeper to level the score.
Then, as the clock ticked into added time, Bellingham capitalized on a costly mistake by Guillamón, sealing the win with a composed finish.
The victory cements Madrid’s position as league leaders and sets an inspiring pace for the remainder of the season.
Image courtesy of Real Madrid
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