Real Madrid’s title aspirations took a major blow as they fell 2-1 to Valencia in a dramatic match. The late winner from
Hugo Duro, a former Real Madrid youth player, sealed a shocking victory for the visitors in the dying seconds of added
time.
Real Madrid had hoped to level with Barcelona on points, but the result left them with much to ponder ahead of their
crucial Champions League clash with Arsenal.
The match seemed to start promisingly for Real Madrid, who had the opportunity to take an early lead through a
penalty. However, Vinicius Junior’s weak spot-kick was saved by Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, marking
his second consecutive miss after a failed penalty against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Just moments after, Valencia struck first, with Mouctar Diakhaby powering home a header from a corner to give the
visitors a 1-0 lead. In the second half, Real Madrid responded through Vinicius Junior, who managed to score in a
scrappy finish following a corner. His goal, which leveled the score at 1-1, was his 104th for the club, putting him on par with Brazilian legend Ronaldo.
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Yet, despite creating numerous chances, Madrid couldn’t capitalize on their dominance. Kylian Mbappe had a series
of opportunities but was thwarted by Mamardashvili and his own lack of precision.
The game turned in the final minutes. Real Madrid, pushing forward in search of a winner, were caught out by a swift
counter-attack. Valencia made the most of the opportunity, with Rafa Mir delivering a perfectly timed cross that Hugo
Duro headed past Fran Gonzalez, Madrid’s third-choice keeper, in the 95th minute to snatch all three points.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his frustration after the match, noting that while his team created plenty
of chances, they lacked the clinical finishing required to win. “It’s not a deserved defeat; we created a lot but couldn’t
finish,” said the Italian. He also hinted at the challenge of balancing domestic and international commitments, with
crucial games ahead, including the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26.
This loss leaves Madrid six points behind leaders Barcelona and facing a difficult task to keep their La Liga title hopes
alive. With the Champions League quarterfinal against Arsenal just around the corner, Ancelotti’s side will need to quickly regroup and focus on improving their form, especially in front of goal.
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