Bellingham inspires Real Madrid’s comeback with ten men in Valencia

VALENCIA 1 REAL MADRID 2

Real Madrid showed courage and determination in the rearranged League Matchday 12 match at Mestalla, securing a late 2-1 victory to regain top spot in La Liga. Despite being reduced to 10 men after Vini Jr.’s red card in the 79th minute, late goals from Luka Modrić and Jude Bellingham gave Ancelotti’s team a sensational victory.

The first half was a high-intensity encounter, defying expectations of a post-holiday clash. Real Madrid came close to opening the scoring in the fifth minute when Lucas Vázquez set up Valverde, whose powerful shot was deflected by Dimitrievski. Valencia responded with two dangerous chances, but Courtois made brilliant saves to deny Hugo Duro and Foulquier.

Valencia finally opened the scoring in the 27th minute. Courtois initially saved Javi Guerra’s shot, but Hugo Duro took advantage of the rebound to score. The goal, however, was mired in controversy when Madrid protested an alleged foul on Rodrygo during the build-up.

Madrid pushed for an equalizer before the break, creating chances through long-range shots from Tchouameni and Valverde, and a one-on-one for Vini Jr., which Dimitrievski saved brilliantly.

Second half drama

The pace slowed slightly in the second half, but Madrid’s determination remained firm. In the 52nd minute, Mbappé was knocked down by Tárrega in the area and the referee awarded a penalty. However, Bellingham failed to convert when his shot hit the post. Madrid seemed to equalize in the 60th minute through Mbappé, but the VAR annulled the goal for a marginal offside.

The pressure continued to build, with Rüdiger’s cross in the 67th minute finding Rodrygo, whose header narrowly missed. However, more controversy came in the 78th minute. Vini Jr., after having received a slap on the back from Dimitrievski while he was on the ground, the Brazilian retaliated by pushing the goalkeeper. After the VAR review, he saw the red card, leaving Madrid to counterattack with ten men.

An impressive comeback

Undeterred, Real Madrid demonstrated their characteristic fighting spirit. In the 85th minute, Bellingham gave a perfect assist to Modrić, who calmly finished one-on-one with the Valencia goalkeeper to level the score.

Then, as the clock ticked into added time, Bellingham took advantage of a costly error by Guillamón, sealing the victory with a composed finish.

The victory cements Madrid’s position as league leaders and sets an inspiring pace for the rest of the season.

Image courtesy of Real Madrid.