Real Madrid`s La Liga campaign took a hit when Valencia won 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu with a late goal from Hugo Duro. This was Valencia`s first victory there in 17 years. Real Madrid, perhaps with one eye on their upcoming Champions League game against Arsenal, and hampered by injuries limiting squad rotation, were only three points ahead of Barcelona in La Liga going into the match. Young goalkeeper Fran Gonzalez, just 19, made his debut due to injuries to the more senior keepers, highlighting Real Madrid`s thin squad depth at this crucial point in the season.
Barcelona had the opportunity to take advantage of Real Madrid`s slip-up but only managed a draw against Real Betis. Despite moving four points clear at the top, it felt like a missed opportunity to truly take control. After Gavi gave Barcelona an early lead, Betis quickly equalized through Natan. With a Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund approaching, a draw is still a point gained for Barcelona, but they can`t afford further mistakes as the upcoming El Clasico in May could be decisive in the title race.
Real Madrid Underperforms
Shortly after Valencia`s goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, saved a penalty from Vinicius Junior, Valencia took the lead through Mouctar Diakhaby. A subsequent own goal by Diakhaby for Real Madrid was disallowed for offside. Despite Real Madrid`s reputation for comebacks, they couldn`t find the net consistently this time, despite creating pressure and needing goals to win.
Vinicius Jr. did score early in the second half, equalizing for Real Madrid. However, despite continued pressure, they couldn`t get past Mamardashvili again. The Valencia keeper made eight saves, facing a high expected goals on target of 3.28. Real Madrid`s efforts to score were ultimately unsuccessful. Valencia, against the run of play, scored again late in added time to secure a victory that significantly boosts their season. Now comfortably ahead of the relegation zone, Valencia and their manager, Carlos Corberan, are in a good position to avoid relegation and ensure the historic club remains in the top division.
Penalty Problems Continue for Madrid
After Kylian Mbappe scored a penalty in Real Madrid`s previous comeback win against Leganes, it seemed their penalty issues might be resolved. However, Vini Jr.`s missed penalty in this Valencia game suggests otherwise. With defensive vulnerabilities, Real Madrid cannot afford to concede goals and miss penalty chances. Mbappe`s past success from the spot might indicate he should become the designated penalty taker going forward. These penalty issues must be addressed, especially as they progress in the Champions League where matches become even more critical.
Clasico Looms Large
Barcelona and Real Madrid are already set to compete for the Copa del Rey title on April 26, but the La Liga El Clasico on May 11 is marked as a crucial date for everyone. The pressure is now on Barcelona as Real Madrid could close the gap to just one point if they win their games, provided the current gap remains. This context makes the draw against Betis feel like a missed opportunity for Barcelona to solidify their lead.
Adrian Whitmore