In a clash that carried significant weight at opposite ends of the La Liga table, Real Madrid showcased their championship pedigree with a disciplined 2-0 victory over Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium. Second-half strikes from Álvaro Carreras and the in-form Kylian Mbappé were enough to secure all three points, sending a clear message to league leaders Barcelona that the race is far from over.
Manager Álvaro Arbeloa entered the match under immense pressure. With a squad decimated by injuries to key figures like Jude Bellingham and the suspension of Vinícius Júnior, many questioned whether Madrid had the firepower to break down a resilient Valencia side fighting for survival. However, the team’s response was emphatic.
A Test of Patience
The first half was a tactical chess match. Valencia, well-drilled by Rubén Baraja, sat deep in a compact 4-4-2 shape, frustrating the visitors and limiting their clear-cut chances. Madrid dominated the ball—controlling 62% of possession—but struggled to find the final pass in the congested final third. Hugo Duro threatened sporadically for the hosts, but Thibaut Courtois was untroubled in the Madrid goal.
Second-Half Breakthrough
The game shifted in the 65th minute when the deadlock was finally broken. It wasn’t one of the superstars who made the difference, but a rising talent. Álvaro Carreras, deputizing at left-back, timed his run perfectly to meet a clever pass from Arda Güler. The young full-back kept his composure, rifling a low shot past Giorgi Mamardashvili to send the traveling supporters into raptures. It was a moment of pure quality that rewarded Madrid’s persistence.
With the lead secured, Madrid grew in confidence. Valencia pushed higher up the pitch in search of an equalizer, leaving gaps at the back. In the first minute of stoppage time, the killing blow was delivered. Aurélien Tchouaméni, solid in midfield, clipped a sublime through ball towards the penalty area. Mbappé, fresh off his heroics at Anfield, used his electric pace to evade the defense and coolly slotted home his 19th goal of the season.
Table Implications
The victory has massive ramifications for the La Liga landscape. Real Madrid now sits on 52 points, just one point behind Barcelona, setting up a thrilling title run-in. For Valencia, the defeat leaves them hovering dangerously above the relegation zone in 17th place on 20 points. Despite spirited defending, a lack of attacking threat—they managed zero shots on target—continues to plague their campaign.
As the final whistle blew, it was a night of relief for Arbeloa and despair for Baraja. Madrid has shown that even without their galaxy of stars, they have the depth and grit to grind out results when it matters most.