Real Madrid’s title hopes suffered a blow with a 2-1 loss to Valencia at home. Vinicius Jr.'s missed penalty and late goal from Hugo Duro handed Valencia a shock win. The defeat leaves Barcelona with the upper hand in the La Liga title race.
Real Madrid’s title hopes took a severe blow as they were defeated 2-1 at home by Valencia in a disappointing La Liga encounter. The match, which many had expected to be straightforward for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, became a nightmare for Los Blancos as they squandered numerous chances, including a penalty miss from Vinicius Jr. early in the first half. Kylian Mbappe had been fouled in the box, but Vinicius, stepping up to take the penalty, could not convert.
Valencia capitalized on Madrid’s wastefulness with a well-timed header from Mouctar Diakhaby, putting the visitors in front. Although an own goal from Diakhaby nearly gifted Madrid an equalizer, an offside ruling on Mbappe’s involvement spared the defender’s blushes. The second half saw Real Madrid pull level when Vinicius Jr. redeemed himself with a well-placed finish, assisted by Jude Bellingham’s flick-on. However, the hosts could not find a winner despite late attempts from Mbappe and Federico Valverde.
In stoppage time, Valencia’s Hugo Duro stunned the Santiago Bernabeu with a clinical header after a rapid counter-attack, sealing the three points for the visitors. The defeat leaves Real Madrid on the back foot in the title race, with Barcelona now in the driver’s seat. Carlo Ancelotti’s men will need to regroup quickly if they are to remain contenders for the La Liga crown this season.
