By Omodele Adaranijo
Real Madrid secured a stunning 2-1 victory over Valencia on Friday evening at Mestalla Stadium. England international Jude Bellingham emerged as the hero, delivering a last-minute winner in the 96th minute to keep Los Blancos at the top of the league table, despite playing with 10 men in the match’s decisive moments.
The encounter, rescheduled from October due to severe flooding in Spain’s eastern region, lived up to its billing. Valencia started brightly, with Hugo Duro giving the home side the lead in the 27th minute. Duro pounced on a rebound after Thibaut Courtois made an initial save from Javi Guerra’s powerful strike. The goal brought Mestalla to life, with the hosts sensing an upset against the La Liga giants.
Real Madrid struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with Valencia’s newly appointed manager, Carlos Corberan, orchestrating a disciplined defensive structure. Corberan, who recently joined Valencia from West Bromwich Albion during the winter break, saw his side effectively neutralize Madrid’s attacking threats for large parts of the game.
The second half began with Real Madrid pushing for an equalizer. However, frustration mounted when Bellingham, one of Madrid’s most reliable performers this season, struck the post from the penalty spot. The missed opportunity appeared to compound Madrid’s woes as Valencia continued to hold firm.
But as the game progressed, Bellingham refused to let his earlier disappointment define his night. In the 85th minute, the England midfielder played a pivotal role, delivering a perfectly weighted cross that Luka Modric converted to bring Madrid level. The Croatian veteran’s finish injected renewed belief into Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
However, the match took a dramatic turn just moments later when Vinicius Junior was shown a red card for pushing Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski. With Madrid reduced to 10 men and the game seemingly headed for a draw, Bellingham rose to the occasion once again.
In the 96th minute, a defensive lapse by Valencia allowed Bellingham to capitalize, slotting home the winning goal and sending the Madrid bench into wild celebrations. His redemption was complete, and the England star cemented his status as a talismanic figure for Los Blancos this season.
Despite the late heroics, Valencia nearly salvaged a point in the dying moments. Luis Rioja struck the post in the 100th minute, leaving Mestalla Stadium in stunned silence as Madrid held on for a vital victory.
For Valencia, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. While their defensive organization and spirited performance under Corberan showed promise, the defeat leaves them four points adrift in the relegation zone. The new manager’s task of steering the team to safety remains daunting as they struggle for consistency in a challenging campaign.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, extended their lead at the top of La Liga to two points over Atletico Madrid, albeit having played one more game. Carlo Ancelotti praised his team’s resilience and highlighted Bellingham’s crucial role in securing the win.
“Jude showed tremendous character tonight,” Ancelotti said in his post-match comments. “He missed the penalty, but he didn’t let that affect him. His contribution was decisive, and it’s a testament to his mentality and quality as a player.”
Bellingham’s stellar performance adds to his growing reputation as one of the most influential midfielders in European football. Since joining Real Madrid, the former Borussia Dortmund star has consistently delivered in high-pressure situations, and his exploits against Valencia only reinforced his value to the team.
For the Madrid faithful, the victory not only solidifies their position at the league’s summit but also underscores their ability to dig deep in the face of adversity. With the season entering its critical phase, such displays of determination and grit will be essential as they vie for domestic and European honors.
Valencia, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as the battle for survival intensifies. Corberan’s men showed flashes of potential but will need to translate their efforts into results if they hope to climb out of the relegation zone.
