Real Madrid went down in a big shock – at home, losing 2-1 to Valencia. Whatever challenges it brought, this is the defeat that exposed all of their considerable challenges for the mighty Spanish giants. Vinicius Junior won a penalty for Brazil when he was tackled from behind by Kylian Mbappe. Alas, he couldn’t make it, blowing another chance. The game unfolded at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, where the home team’s frustrations grew amidst injury woes and a determined Valencia side.
Injuries had forced Carlo Ancelotti to field third-string netminder Fran Gonzalez, with both Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin ruled out. Gonzalez, who was only 19 years old and making his first-team debut, was besieged with pressure all game long. Valencia’s goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, was crucial in the first half, denying Vinicius Junior’s penalty to keep Valencia level.
When Valencia took the lead in the 17th minute. Mouctar Diakhaby jumped higher than even Antonio Rudiger to head home a corner from André Almeida. This goal would prove to be the catalyst for a fiery contest, with Real Madrid finding it hard to claw back the momentum in the game. The visitors’ display was the perfect encapsulation of their impressive turnaround in form and fortune since Carlos Corberan took over as manager, succeeding Ruben Baraja in December. Since Corberan’s appointment, Valencia have climbed from the relegation zone to 15th, seven points clear of the danger zone.
Valencia’s persistence almost paid off as they carried on probing Real Madrid’s defence, setting the scene for a thrilling climax. Hugo Duro came off the bench and secured the victory for Valencia with a decisive header deep into stoppage time. He latched onto the end of Rafa Mir’s close-range cross and scored. Celebration poured out of the traveling away supporters, as another wave of dejection washed over the home Madrid fans.
Despite the parochial pressure, there was even a few home whistles when Vinicius Junior missed a penalty. His inability to lead the team to conversion was a heavy blow to their spirits. More importantly, it illustrated the uphill battle he’s been fighting all season.
“We hadn’t won on the road and there is no better place to do so than here,” – Javi Guerra, Valencia midfielder.
The defeat sees Real Madrid drop three points off the pace of domestic rivals Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table. Barcelona will have the chance to extend their advantage when they host Real Betis later on Saturday. As the 2023/24 season wears on, Real Madrid can’t afford to panic. They need to resolve their issues to restore their status in the Premier League and Champions League.
