Real Madrid`s La Liga campaign faced a setback when Valencia secured a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu with a 95th-minute goal from Hugo Duro. This was Valencia`s first win there in 17 years. Real Madrid, perhaps with one eye on their upcoming Champions League match against Arsenal, were limited in their ability to rotate the squad due to injuries. They started the game just three points ahead of Barcelona in La Liga. Young 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez made his debut in goal for Real Madrid due to injuries to the senior goalkeepers, highlighting their squad depth issues at a crucial point in the season.
Barcelona had the chance to respond to Real Madrid`s dropped points but only managed a draw against Real Betis. Despite moving four points clear at the top of the league, it felt like a missed opportunity for Hansi Flick`s team. Gavi`s early goal for Barcelona suggested a comfortable game, but Betis quickly equalized through Natan just 10 minutes later. With a Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund approaching, Barcelona gained a point, but they cannot afford further slip-ups as the El Clasico match in May could be decisive in the title race.
Real Madrid Underperforms
Shortly after Vinicius Junior missed a penalty, saved by Valencia`s goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, Valencia took the lead through Mouctar Diakhaby. A Diakhaby own goal for Real Madrid was later disallowed for offside. Despite Real Madrid`s history of comebacks, the expectation was that they would eventually find a way to win.
Vini Jr. did equalize early in the second half, but despite sustained pressure, Real Madrid could not get past Mamardashvili again. The Georgian goalkeeper made eight saves, denying Real Madrid despite their 3.28 expected goals on target. Valencia, against the run of play, scored again in added time to secure a significant victory. This win significantly boosts Valencia`s season, moving them seven points clear of relegation and putting coach Carlos Corberan closer to ensuring the historic club remains in the top division.
Penalty Problems Persist for Madrid
After Kylian Mbappe`s successful penalty in Real Madrid`s previous comeback win against Leganes, it seemed their penalty issues were resolved. However, Vini Jr.`s missed penalty against Valencia raised concerns again. Given Real Madrid`s defensive vulnerabilities, they cannot afford to concede preventable goals, and with Mbappe`s proven penalty record, coach Carlo Ancelotti might consider making him the designated penalty taker moving forward. These penalty issues must be resolved before the crucial Champions League matches ahead.
Building Towards El Clasico
Barcelona and Real Madrid are already set to compete for the Copa del Rey final on April 26, but the league El Clasico on May 11 is highly anticipated. Currently, the pressure is on Barcelona as Real Madrid could close the gap to just one point if they win their games and the gap remains the same before El Clasico. This context highlights why Barcelona`s draw against Betis feels like a wasted opportunity to gain a significant advantage.
