Real Madrid stay in title hunt with win over Valencia

Carreras brilliance and Mbappé strike secure crucial victory

Real Madrid kept the pressure on LaLiga leaders Barcelona with a 2-0 victory away at Valencia, thanks to a moment of magic from Álvaro Carreras and a late goal from Kylian Mbappé.

Carreras broke the deadlock in the second half with a superb solo effort before Mbappé sealed the result in stoppage time, scoring his 23rd league goal of the season. The victory moves Madrid to within one point of Barcelona after 23 matches, while Valencia remain dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Valencia threaten early but Madrid grow into contest

Valencia began strongly at Mestalla, putting Real Madrid under pressure with a series of crosses and set pieces that forced the visitors to defend deep in the opening stages.

Madrid gradually took control and nearly found the opener in the 19th minute when Arda Güler’s effort deflected off Hugo Duro and narrowly missed the target. From the resulting corner, Mbappé tested Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski from a tight angle before sending another effort straight at him moments later.

Dimitrievski was called into action again just before the half-hour mark, producing a fine save to deny debutant David Jiménez after he was played through by Mbappé. Despite Madrid’s improved control, the match lacked quality in the final third as both teams struggled to create clear chances before halftime.

Carreras magic and Mbappé finish seal the points

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 66th minute through individual brilliance from Carreras. The defender weaved into the penalty area, beating multiple challenges before firing a precise shot through a defender’s legs and into the bottom corner.

Valencia responded quickly and nearly equalised five minutes later when Filip Ugrinic delivered a dangerous cross across goal, but Fran Beltrán narrowly missed the chance to convert from close range.

The hosts pushed forward in search of an equaliser late in the game, leaving space at the back that Madrid exploited in stoppage time. Brahim Díaz broke down the left flank and delivered a perfect pass for Mbappé, who calmly finished from close range to secure all three points and keep Madrid firmly in the title race.