Real Madrid’s Late Heroics Secure 2-1 Victory Over Valencia

Real Madrid pulled off a dramatic 2-1 comeback win against Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium on January 3, 2025, reclaiming their spot at the top of the LaLiga standings.

Valencia struck first in the 27th minute when Hugo Duro converted a rebound off a Thibaut Courtois save. Real Madrid struggled to find an equalizer, with Jude Bellingham missing a penalty in the second half and Kylian Mbappé having a goal disallowed for offside.

The match took a tense turn in the 79th minute as Vinícius Júnior was sent off following a heated altercation with Valencia’s goalkeeper, leaving Real Madrid with ten players. Despite the setback, Luka Modrić equalized in the 85th minute with a precise finish after a clever assist from Bellingham.

The defining moment came seven minutes into stoppage time when Bellingham redeemed himself with a late goal to seal the victory.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti praised his team’s resilience but acknowledged their inconsistent performance. Valencia, under new coach Carlos Corberan, remains in the relegation zone with just 12 points.

This hard-fought victory showcased Real Madrid’s determination, keeping their title ambitions alive in an intensely competitive LaLiga season.