Real Madrid 1-2 Valencia: Highlights, man of the match, stats as Los Blancos suffer major La Liga title blow at Bernabeu

Hugo Duro scored a 95th-minute winner as Valencia stunned Real Madrid at Bernabeu on Saturday afternoon, with Los Che recording a 2-1 victory over the reigning Spanish champions.

Vinicius Junior missed a penalty for Real Madrid before Mouctar Diakhaby made the breakthrough in the 15th minute, with the centre-back converting a cross from Andre Almeida.

Real Madrid were level early in the second period through Vinicius, who turned into the back of the net from close range, and Carlo Ancelotti‘s side then went in search of a winner in front of their own supporters.

However, it was Valencia that struck the game’s third goal in the fifth minute of added time at the end of the 90, with Duro heading a cross from Rafa Mir home to silence Bernabeu.

Real Madrid remain second in the La Liga table, three points behind leaders Barcelona, who have a game in hand, while Valencia are now on 34 points, seven points clear of the relegation zone in Spain’s top flight.

SPORTS MOLE’S VERDICT

© Imago

What a finish.

Statistics rarely paint a false picture in football, and Real Madrid were the dominant outfit on Saturday afternoon, having 21 shots in total, with nine of those on target, while Valencia scored with both of their attempts on target in the capital.

Real Madrid simply had to triumph, as Barcelona do not know anything other than winning at the moment, and this is a huge setback to their title chances, with Hansi Flick‘s team having the chance to move six points clear at the summit on Saturday night.

Six points with eight games left is a lot, especially considering Barcelona’s form, and it is difficult to imagine the Catalan outfit being stopped considering their incredible firepower, which has brought 82 La Liga goals this term.

All Real Madrid can do now is look to Real Betis and hope for a big favour, but this result has been coming, with Los Blancos fortunate against Leganes last weekend, and their recent performances have been underwhelming.

Valencia have their own battle to fight, with Los bidding to avoid what would be a devastating relegation from the top flight, but this was a huge step in the right direction, and it is a result that their supporters will remember for some time.

REAL MADRID VS. VALENCIA HIGHLIGHTS

13th min: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) missed penalty

Vinicius passes up the chance to send Real Madrid ahead in the 13th minute of the contest, as the Brazilian sees his effort comfortably saved by the Valencia goalkeeper – not the Brazilian’s best strike it must be said.

15th min: Real Madrid 0-1 Valencia (Mouctar Diakhaby)

Two minutes after Vinicius misses a penalty, Valencia find the back of the net, with Diakhaby converting a corner from Almeida; the home supporters have been silenced here.

21st min: Mouctar Diakhaby (Valencia) own goal disallowed

Diakhaby spectacularly turns into the back of his own net with an unconventional clearance, but the goal is disallowed for an offside following a VAR check.

50th min: Real Madrid 1-1 Valencia (Vinicius Junior)

Real Madrid level the scores in the 50th minute, and Vinicius gets his name on the scoresheet, with the Brazilian firing home at the far post after Jude Bellingham had headed into a dangerous area.

95th min: Real Madrid 1-2 Valencia (Hugo Duro)

Valencia take the lead in the 95th minute of the contest, as Duro heads a cross from Rafa Mir into the back of the net – incredible scenes in the Spanish capital, with Real Madrid being stunned at Bernabeu.

MAN OF THE MATCH – MOUCTAR DIAKHABY

© Imago

Diakhaby had an eventful match, and he was fortunate to have an own goal disallowed in the first period, when he somehow found the bottom cornet with a clearance, but the centre-back was terrific at Bernabeu.

The 28-year-old made the breakthrough from close range in the first period, while he made two tackles and was dominant aerially over the course of the match, with Kylian Mbappe finding it difficult to get the better of the Guinea international.

REAL MADRID VS. VALENCIA MATCH STATS

Possession: Real Madrid 65%-35% Valencia
Shots: Real Madrid 21-10 Valencia
Shots on target: Real Madrid 9-2 Valencia
Corners: Real Madrid 9-4 Valencia
Fouls: Real Madrid 10-13 Valencia

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Real Madrid’s attention will now switch to the Champions League, preparing to head to Arsenal for the first leg of their quarter-final on Tuesday night, before resuming their league campaign against Alaves next Sunday.

Valencia, meanwhile, will aim to make it six games unbeaten in La Liga when they host Sevilla on Friday night.

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