Real Madrid dug deep to secure a gritty 2-0 win at Valencia on Sunday, staying hot on the heels of LaLiga leaders Barcelona thanks to late strikes from Álvaro Carreras and Kylian Mbappé.
In a match short on flair and clear chances, Real’s patience finally paid off 25 minutes from time. Young full back Carreras, who’d made a driving run into the box, saw a defender’s clearance cannon straight back off him, and he reacted quickest to poke a low finish into the corner.
The goal broke Valencia’s stubborn resistance, and Mbappé sealed the points in stoppage time, tapping home from close range after a rapid break led by substitute Brahim Díaz. It was the Frenchman’s 23rd league goal of the season, extending his lead in the Pichichi race.
With Barcelona beating Sevilla on Saturday, the win keeps the pressure firmly on at the top. Real now sit just one point behind the leaders, having played the same number of games.
Manager Álvaro Arbeloa was forced to field a patched up side, missing the suspended Vinícius Júnior and the injured Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Éder Militão. It showed in a performance that was more about grit than glitter.
“Playing at Valencia is always like going to the dentist,” Arbeloa admitted afterwards. “We knew how difficult it would be. It was a very serious, committed match… We can certainly raise our game in terms of brilliance, but a team is built on solidity and commitment. Courtois didn’t make a single save today. Dedication, sacrifice, Madrid demonstrated those values again.”
Atletico’s Title Hopes Fade After Betis Defeat
Elsewhere, Atlético Madrid’s fading title hopes suffered another major blow as they fell to a 1-0 home defeat against an impressive Real Betis.
Antony’s fierce first half strike from the edge of the box decided a tight contest at the Metropolitano, handing Manuel Pellegrini’s side a crucial win in their push for Europe. The defeat leaves Diego Simeone’s side 13 points adrift of Barcelona in third, and just three ahead of Villarreal in fourth having played two games more.
For Betis, the victory solidifies their hold on fifth place and keeps them firmly in the European conversation. For Atleti, it’s another reminder of the gulf that has opened up between them and the Clásico giants at the summit. The title race, it seems, is now a two horse affair.
