Real Madrid Shocked at Home by Valencia as La Liga Title Aspirations Suffer Major Setback

In a thrilling encounter, Hugo Duro netted a dramatic winner in the 95th minute, allowing Valencia to break their record winless streak against Real Madrid at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu with a 2-1 triumph. This victory propels them seven points clear of the relegation zone.

All eyes were on 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez, who was making his debut for Real, but the inexperienced goalkeeper had a rocky start when he rushed to intercept a hesitant backpass from Lucas Vazquez.

Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili then faced a penalty from Vinicius Junior after Kylian Mbappe fell under challenge from Cesar Tarrega. However, Mamardashvili managed to save what turned out to be a weak attempt, thwarting the Brazilian forward.

Just two minutes later, Mouctar Diakhaby rose confidently to meet Andre Almeida’s corner with a powerful header, leaving Gonzalez stranded and giving the visitors an unexpected lead.

Following the goal, a moment of concern arose for Diakhaby as he nearly scored an own goal after a mix-up with Almeida, though he was spared as Mbappe was flagged offside.

Real Madrid’s frustrations nearly increased when Tarrega’s flicked header from a corner went just wide of the target. The home side maintained possession against a determined Valencia defence, with Mbappe eager to equalise. He saw one effort lithely deflected wide and another tipped over the bar, and he even struck the woodwork.

Jude Bellingham nearly found the net before the break, but Los Blancos levelled the score just five minutes into the second half when Bellingham deftly redirected Luka Modric’s corner to the back post, where Vinicius Junior capitalised, sending the ball into the roof of the net.

The pressure mounted on Valencia, with Diakhaby bravely blocking a shot from Rodrygo, who soon headed another attempt wide.

Valencia responded with an effort that forced Gonzalez into action after Tarrega’s header struck Diakhaby. However, they quickly reverted to their defensive duties, with Mamardashvili denying Federico Valverde before Jesus Vazquez made a crucial clearance ahead of Lucas Vazquez.

Endrick and Rafa Mir both had efforts blocked at either end, but Mir later provided a pinpoint cross that enabled Duro to head in a stunning late winner.

Mamardashvili rushed out to thwart Antonio Rudiger, securing the three points for Valencia and marking their first five-game unbeaten streak since October 2022, now sitting seven points clear of 18th-placed Leganes.

This result delivered a significant blow to Real Madrid, who could find themselves six points adrift of leaders Barcelona by the end of the day, having lost two of their last five LaLiga matches.