Immediate Reaction: Valencia 1-2 Real Madrid

Valencia 1-1 real Madrid (Modric and Bellingham). Judas to the rescue. More analysis: player ratings, quotes and a TakingMadrid podcast.

The first match of 2025 meant a lot to Real Madrid, who were looking to try and get ahead of their rivals, Atlético de Madrid and the now lagging Barcelona. Valencia away from home had a difficult start to the year, as the atmosphere was always hostile for the Galacticos. Dani Ceballos started in midfield, with Aurélien Tchouaméni preferred as center back. Lucas Vázquez captained the team to open the year.

Castilla player Hugo Duro, who is becoming the main figure of the Castilla curse, took advantage of the chances with a shot that was saved by Thibaut Courtois. Courtois was called on again to save a header when Valencia looked the more dangerous team at the start. Duro then activated the curse, scoring into an empty goal to put the locals ahead. Real Madrid did not know how to contribute anything substantial in the first half, ending the 45th at 1-0.

Real Madrid had a lifeline early in the second half after receiving a penalty, but Jude Bellingham missed his lines against all odds: he hit the post and went flying. Kylian Mbappé then found the net, but was withdrawn for offside. It was a better half for Madrid, but things took a turn when Vinícius Júnior was sent off for a silly push on the goalkeeper, reducing his team to ten men. Real Madrid managed to score the equalizer thanks to Luka Modrić, who remained calm inside the area to silence the home fans. Jude Bellingham, the prodigy who possessed his own cheat code, was still on the field well into injury time, resulting in a dramatic last-gasp winning goal after a Valencia error stole the game. victory. Valencia shot the post with seconds left, but it was not enough and Real Madrid ended up victorious. Full time, 2-1 and a surprising victory to start the year in style.