Mbappe, Real Madrid defeat Valencia; narrow gap to Barcelona on ladder | Football News
Real Madrid Narrows Gap on Barcelona with 2-0 Win Over Valencia
VALENCIA, Spain — Real Madrid remained just one point behind La Liga leaders Barcelona after a 2-0 victory over Valencia on Sunday. Second-half goals from Alvaro Carreras and Kylian Mbappe sealed the win in a match marked by a lack of clear chances.
Despite dominating possession, Real Madrid struggled to create significant threats. Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski was rarely tested as the visitors’ control of the game did not translate into scoring opportunities.
The breakthrough came in the 65th minute when Carreras capitalized on a fortunate deflection. After being dispossessed in the box, the ball ricocheted off Valencia defenders and fell back to Carreras, who quickly dispatched a low shot into the bottom-left corner of the net.
Mbappe secured the victory in stoppage time, finishing first-time from close range after a counterattack initiated by substitute Brahim Diaz. This goal marked Mbappe’s 23rd in the league this season, putting him eight goals ahead in the scoring charts.
“Playing at Valencia is always like going to the dentist,” Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa said post-match. “We knew how difficult the match would be. It was a very serious and committed performance.”
Arbeloa faced several challenges, as suspended winger Vinicius Jr. and injured players Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Eder Militao were absent. Their absence allowed academy players Raul Asensio, David Jimenez, and Gonzalo Garcia to start. Despite missing key players, Real Madrid’s defense was solid, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois not forced into any saves.
Barcelona leads the La Liga standings with 58 points, followed closely by Real Madrid with 57 points. Valencia currently sits 17th, just one point above the relegation zone.
In other action, Atletico Madrid struggled further in the title race, suffering a 1-0 defeat at home to Real Betis. Antony scored the decisive goal in the 28th minute with a powerful shot from outside the box. Atletico remains in third place with 45 points, three ahead of fourth-placed Villarreal.
Images: Carreras in action during the match, and Mbappe celebrating his goal.
