Real Madrid`s La Liga campaign suffered a setback as Valencia secured a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu with a 95th-minute goal from Hugo Duro. This win marked Valencia`s first at this stadium in 17 years. Real Madrid, perhaps with one eye on their upcoming Champions League clash with Arsenal, were hampered by injuries, limiting Carlo Ancelotti`s rotation options. They started the game just three points ahead of Barcelona in the league standings. Adding to their challenges, young 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez made his debut in goal due to injuries to the more senior goalkeepers, highlighting Real Madrid`s thin squad depth at this crucial point in the season.
Barcelona had the chance to take advantage of Real Madrid`s dropped points but could only manage a draw against Real Betis. Despite moving four points clear at the top of La Liga, it felt like a missed opportunity to truly extend their lead. Gavi`s early goal for Barcelona, scored in the seventh minute, suggested an easy victory, but Betis responded quickly, equalizing just ten minutes later through Natan. With a Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund looming, securing a point is still positive for Barcelona, but they cannot afford further mistakes, especially with the potentially decisive El Clasico approaching in May.
Los Blancos Stumble
Shortly after Valencia`s goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is expected to join Liverpool, saved Vinicius Junior`s penalty, Valencia took the lead through Mouctar Diakhaby. Real Madrid then had a Diakhaby own goal disallowed for offside later in the first half. However, given Real Madrid`s history of comebacks, there was still an expectation that they would eventually overturn the deficit and win, it was just a matter of time.
Vini Jr. seemed to reinforce this belief by scoring early in the second half, equalizing for Real Madrid. Despite sustained pressure and numerous attempts, Real Madrid couldn`t find a way past Mamardashvili again. The Georgian goalkeeper was outstanding, making eight saves against an expected goals on target of 3.28. Real Madrid`s efforts were ultimately fruitless as Valencia struck late in injury time to win, achieving a result that could be transformative for their season. Now comfortably seven points above the relegation zone, Carlos Corberan is on track to achieve a great escape and ensure the historic club avoids relegation from the top division.
Penalty Issues Persist
Following Kylian Mbappe`s successful penalty in Real Madrid`s comeback win against Leganes, it appeared their penalty problems were resolved. However, Vini Jr.`s penalty miss in this match against Valencia suggests otherwise. Considering Real Madrid`s defensive vulnerabilities, they cannot afford to keep conceding goals, and with Mbappe demonstrating his penalty expertise, it might be time for Carlo Ancelotti to designate him as the primary penalty taker moving forward. These penalty issues must be resolved before they impact their Champions League campaign as the stakes increase as the season progresses.
Building Towards El Clasico
Barcelona and Real Madrid are already scheduled to compete for a title in the Copa del Rey final on April 26th, but the match on May 11th is highly anticipated by everyone. Currently, the pressure is on Barcelona heading into that game because a Real Madrid victory could close the gap to just one point if the current difference remains. This context highlights why drawing against Betis feels like a wasted opportunity for Barcelona.
