Real Madrid entered the competition with Valencia at Mestalla with high confidence. Coach Ancelotti’s team leads the rankings convincingly and they welcome the return of Bellingham due to injury.
Pressed by their opponents, Valencia suddenly took the lead. Hugo Duro decisively scored to help Valencia take a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute, in which Real Madrid’s defense made a marking error.
Vinicius shines with a double against Valencia (Photo: Athletic).
Real Madrid pressed forward in attack but they lacked focus in defense. Right-back Carvajal had an ungainly loss of the ball and Yaremchuk did not miss the opportunity to beat goalkeeper Lunin, doubling the gap to 2-0 for the home team.
At the end of the first half, Vinicius shined to help Real Madrid shorten the score to 1-2. In the second half, coach Ancelotti’s team created great pressure on the home team’s goal.
In the 76th minute, Vinicius completed a double to help Real Madrid equalize 2-2. Minute 90+3, Valencia player fell in the penalty area, the referee after consulting VAR refused to penalize 11m.
The match had 7 minutes of extra time, but due to many interruptions in the match, the extra time was extended. Minute 90+9, Real Madrid attacked and Jude Bellingham put the ball into Valencia’s net.
Bellingham received a red card for a reaction error (Photo: Sporting News).
The goal was not recognized because referee Jesus Gil blew the whistle to end the match right when the Real Madrid player crossed the ball for Jude Bellingham to finish. This caused Real Madrid players to react violently.
Afterwards, the referee also issued a red card to Jude Bellingham for his reaction. This is considered an unforgettable return for Bellingham after many absent matches due to injury.
With a 2-2 draw with Valencia, Real Madrid still leads the 2023-24 La Liga rankings with 66 points after 27 rounds, but they will likely be narrowed by Girona and Barcelona.
