A tense, hard-fought night at Mestalla saw Real Madrid grind out a vital 2–0 victory over Valencia, narrowing the gap to La Liga leaders Barcelona to a single point. In a match defined by resilience rather than flair, Álvaro Carreras and Kylian Mbappé delivered the decisive moments that kept Madrid’s title charge very much alive.
A battle of nerves on Spain’s east coast
Missing the spark of suspended forward Vinícius Júnior and the midfield dynamism of injured Jude Bellingham, Los Blancos were short on dazzle but heavy on determination.
The first half was a scrappy affair, with Madrid carving the better openings yet failing to convert them into clear-cut danger. Arda Güler saw a shot deflect narrowly wide, and Mbappé rattled the woodwork only to be denied by Valencia keeper Stole Dimitrievski’s sharp reflexes.
Carreras crafts the breakthrough
The deadlock finally broke midway through the second half when Carreras produced a moment of pure opportunism.
Cutting inside from the left, the defender stroked a composed finish with his weaker right foot that slipped past Dimitrievski at the near post — a goal conjured from nothing that swung momentum Madrid’s way.
Valencia nearly answered through Lucas Beltrán, whose stretched effort beat Thibaut Courtois but cruelly kissed the post and stayed out, prolonging the hosts’ frustration.
Fresh legs and a late seal
Manager Álvaro Arbeloa introduced Trent Alexander-Arnold from the bench for his first appearance since early December, a tactical move aimed at shoring up control as Madrid sought to close out the contest.
The insurance goal arrived in stoppage time when Brahim Díaz set up Mbappé, who finished with the calm of a seasoned marksman to notch his 23rd La Liga goal of the season and seal the three points.
Mestalla mood and the bigger picture
The result keeps relentless pressure on Barcelona after the champions’ win over Mallorca, while Valencia’s evening ended in frustration. Some home supporters waved white handkerchiefs in protest at the club’s turmoil as Los Che sit 17th, perilously just one point above the relegation zone.
For Real Madrid, the victory was less about style and more about steel — a statement that when the season tightens, they can grind out results and stay glued to the summit race.
