With significant challenges, Real Madrid managed to overturn a 1-0 deficit to secure a 1-2 victory against Valencia, thanks to goals from Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham, despite playing with 10 men.
Real Madrid was on the brink of losing their grip on the La Liga leadership during their match against Valencia, currently second-to-last in the standings. Trailing for nearly 70 minutes, it was in the final five minutes of regulation time, plus stoppage time, that Madrid turned the game around, with Jude Bellingham scoring the decisive goal to propel his team to the top of the table.
Valencia Takes Madrid by Surprise
The match at the Mestalla began positively for the hosts, who created two early chances that forced Thibaut Courtois into action.
It wasn’t until the 27th minute that Valencia capitalized on a counterattack. Dimitri Foulquier sent a cross from the right flank, which Javi Guerra struck first-time, hitting the post. The rebound fell into the center of the six-yard box, where Hugo Duro finished it off to give Valencia a 1-0 lead.
Madrid Faces Further Setbacks
In the second half, Real Madrid’s struggles intensified. In the 55th minute, Jude Bellingham had the chance to equalize from the penalty spot following a foul on Kylian Mbappé in the box. However, his shot hit the left post, missing the opportunity to level the score.
Four minutes later, a potential goal from Mbappé was disallowed due to an offside call. Then, in the 79th minute, Vinícius Jr. received a red card for striking Valencia’s goalkeeper in the neck. The incident occurred after Vinícius was pulled up by the goalkeeper following a challenge in the area, which led to the heated exchange and subsequent dismissal.
Modric and Bellingham Deliver the Comeback
Despite being a man down, Real Madrid continued their offensive push. In the 85th minute, a well-executed attacking play resulted in Luka Modric receiving a through ball, leaving him one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The Croatian veteran calmly slotted the ball into the net, equalizing the score.
In stoppage time, at 90+6 minutes, Valencia’s defense faltered. A careless turnover in their defensive line allowed Bellingham to recover the ball near the edge of the box. Facing the goalkeeper, the Englishman placed a precise shot into the net, completing the dramatic comeback and sealing the 1-2 victory for Real Madrid.
New La Liga Leader
With this win, Real Madrid now leads La Liga with 43 points, surpassing Atlético Madrid, who sit at 41 points but have a game in hand. Barcelona remains in third place with 38 points and will need to improve their form to stay in contention for the top spot.
