Real Madrid`s La Liga campaign suffered a setback as Valencia secured a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu with a 95th-minute goal from Hugo Duro. This win marks Valencia`s first at this stadium in 17 years. Real Madrid, potentially distracted by their upcoming Champions League match against Arsenal and hampered by injuries limiting squad rotation, started the game just three points ahead of Barcelona in La Liga. The match saw the debut of 19-year-old goalkeeper Fran Gonzalez due to injuries to the more senior keepers, highlighting Real Madrid`s thin squad depth at this crucial point in the season.
Now, Barcelona faces significant pressure to capitalize on this opportunity and extend their lead to six points when they play Real Betis later on Saturday. Despite the difficulty of the match, a six-point lead could prove decisive in the La Liga title race, especially as Barcelona, like Real Madrid, is also competing for the Champions League title.
Shortly after Valencia`s goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili (reportedly joining Liverpool) saved a penalty from Vinicius Junior, Valencia took the lead through Mouctar Diakhaby. A subsequent own goal by Diakhaby for Real Madrid was disallowed for offside in the first half. Given Real Madrid`s history of comebacks, there was still an expectation that they would rally and win, but the goals they needed remained elusive.
Vini Jr. seemed to reinforce that idea early in the second half with a goal shortly after the restart. However, despite sustained pressure, Real Madrid couldn`t overcome Mamardashvili, who made an impressive eight saves, facing an expected goals on target value of 3.28. Real Madrid`s efforts were ultimately thwarted, and Valencia struck late in injury time to secure a victory that could be transformative for their season. This win moves Valencia seven points clear of the relegation zone, putting coach Carlos Corberan in a strong position to secure their place in the top division and avoid relegation for this historic club.
This victory is especially significant for Valencia as it came away against Real Madrid. Now, the pressure shifts to Barcelona in the La Liga title race. If Barcelona fails to win, Real Madrid will have avoided significant damage. However, a Barcelona victory on Saturday would dramatically shift the title race in their favor.
