Real Madrid maintained intense pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona with a determined 2-0 victory against Valencia at Mestalla on Sunday, narrowing the gap at the summit to just one point. Despite missing key players Vinicius Junior (suspension) and Jude Bellingham (injury), manager Alvaro Arbeloa’s squad demonstrated tactical discipline to secure three crucial points.
The breakthrough came midway through the second half when defender Alvaro Carreras, cutting in from the left flank, expertly guided a right-footed shot inside the near post. Kylian Mbappé sealed the victory in stoppage time, converting from close range after being set up by Brahim Diaz. The goal marked Mbappé’s 23rd league strike this season, reinforcing his status as La Liga’s top scorer.
Arbeloa praised his team’s performance, stating: ‘This was a game demanding extreme patience. Our victory stemmed from defensive solidity and unwavering focus throughout the match. We were deserved winners.’ The match also saw England international Trent Alexander-Arnold make his return from injury as a second-half substitute.
Meanwhile, third-placed Atlético Madrid suffered a surprising 1-0 home defeat to Real Betis, effectively ending their title aspirations as they now trail Barcelona by 13 points. Antony’s first-half strike secured revenge for Betis, who had been humiliated 5-0 by Atlético in the Copa del Rey just three days earlier.
In other La Liga action, Athletic Bilbao defeated Levante 4-2, Sevilla and Girona drew 1-1, while Getafe earned a 2-0 victory at Alaves.