Real Madrid vs Valencia Review
Real Madrid easily defeated Valencia 4-0, securing their 10th consecutive La Liga win at the Santiago Bernabéu. Meanwhile, Valencia remains without a win in six league matches (two draws, four losses) and stays in the relegation zone. Riding high on confidence after a passionate El Clásico victory that extended their lead at the top of the La Liga standings, Real Madrid started strong once again. Kylian Mbappé had an early attempt, followed by powerful, precise shots from Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham.
Valencia’s defense didn’t hold for long, after César Tárrega handled the ball in the penalty area, deflecting Éder Militão’s header from a corner, Mbappé calmly converted the penalty, scoring his 12th league goal of the season. Having just received the 2024/25 European Golden Boot on Friday, Mbappé quickly added his 13th goal by volleying in a cross from Arda Güler after 31 minutes.
Mbappé, on the verge of a hat-trick, generously let Vini Jr. take the penalty after the Brazilian was fouled by Thierry Correia. However, Vinicius had his penalty saved. Luckily for the home supporters, a third goal came just a minute later when Bellingham evaded his defender and fired past Julen Agirrezabala, effectively sealing the game before halftime. Valencia were the last team to beat Los Blancos in a league match at the Bernabéu, but after spending the first 45 minutes mostly defending, a comeback in the second half seemed highly unlikely.
Carlos Corberán’s team faced the prospect of going eight away league games without a win, a streak dating back to last season. It wasn’t until the 63rd minute that André Almeida managed their first shot on target, which Thibaut Courtois skillfully tipped over. With focus shifting to their upcoming UEFA Champions League match against Liverpool, Real Madrid controlled a subdued second half and added a fourth goal through Álvaro Carreras, who scored his first goal for the club to complete the scoring.
A sixth consecutive victory in all competitions continues to propel Xabi Alonso’s team forward, temporarily extending their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points. For Valencia, although a defeat was expected, it still stings, as they stay in the relegation zone after having played one more match than the four teams just above them.
