Carlo Ancelotti's side failed to show up against a middling opponent, and lost ground in the league
Real Madrid dropped points in the title race Saturday afternoon, Vinicius Jr missing from the spot as Los Blancos suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at home against an opportunistic Valencia. Madrid were first slow, then wasteful, and the away side made the most of it, scoring a 95th minute winner to silence the Santiago Bernabeu.
This was far from the drama-free fixture Madrid might have hoped for. Los Blancos seemed to have set themselves up for an early lead when Mbappe was clipped in the box – but Vinicius Jr missed the ensuing penalty. Valencia capitalised on the Brazilian's mishap, taking the lead thanks to a thumping header from Mouctar Diakhaby. The Valencia captain might have gifted Los Blancos an equaliser when he lashed the ball into his own net, only to see his blushes spared when Mbappe was ruled offside in the build up to his blunder.
Madrid didn't need long in the second half to equalize. Vinicius provided it with a clever poked finish off Jude Bellingham's flick on. Los Blancos poked and prodded after. Mbappe put one narrowly wide. Federico Valverde forced a wonderful save.
Valencia stuck around, and took their chance in stoppage time, Hugo Duro nodding home after a wonderfully crafted counter attack. Barcelona might just have the upper hand in this thing…
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from the Santiago Bernabeu…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Fran Gonzalez (5/10):
Not a bad debut, all said. Can't be blamed for the poor marking on the Valencia opener – or the excellent header on the second.
Lucas Vazquez (5/10):
Some of his positioning was pretty poor, as Valencia had joy down his wing.
Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):
Lost his man on Valencia's goal. Was solid at the back otherwise.
Antonio Rudiger (6/10):
Held down the left sided centre back role for the most part. Pinged a few long balls, then went missing on the Valencia winner.
Fran Garcia (7/10):
Up and down the left with regularity. Created two chances and linked up with Vinicius well.
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Federico Valverde (7/10):
Won the most duels in the match. Saw an effort denied by an incredible save. Can't really be faulted for anything.
Luka Modric (6/10):
Not really involved in the first half, but his influence grew in the second.
Jude Bellingham (8/10):
Industrious in the middle of the park. Almost scored a wonderful goal in the first half. Assisted the leveler. Did everything except save Madrid's skin.
Attack
Brahim Diaz (5/10):
Barely on the ball in a disappointing hour of action.
Kylian Mbappe (6/10):
Active throughout. Won the penalty, never afraid to have a go. Just didn't quite come off for him on the day.
Vinicius Jr (5/10):
His pretty miserable penalty attempt was deservedly saved. Redeemed himself with the equalizer – but this game will be remembered for the miss.
Subs & Manager
Rodrygo (5/10):
Pretty quiet off the bench, save for a half chance or two.
Eduardo Camavinga (5/10):
Busy in the middle of the park, but skinned on the winner.
David Alaba (N/A):
An agreeable 15 minutes at left back.
Endrick (N/A):
Full of effort, but not much quality.
Arda Guler (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (4/10):
Another slow start for his team – something needs to be done about them. Things didn't get much better, and they rather gifted Valencia a winner. Puzzling in these games.
