Real Madrid secured a thrilling comeback victory against Valencia on January 3, 2025, snatching the game 2-1 at Mestalla, even after going down to ten men. This win not only propelled Carlo Ancelotti's team to the top of La Liga EA Sports with 43 points, but it also reaffirmed their resilience, characteristic of the storied club.
Valencia took charge early on, with Hugo Duro scoring the opening goal after just 27 minutes following a superb save by Thibaut Courtois. Valencia's celebration echoed through Mestalla, as Duro found the net from the rebound of Guerra's attempt, putting the host team firmly on the front foot.
Real Madrid, renowned for their attacking prowess, struggled initially against Valencia's deep defense. Despite starting strong with Federico Valverde testing the Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski early on, they were unable to convert their chances. Rising star Jude Bellingham, tasked with delivering goals, faced significant misfortune when his penalty kick clattered off the woodwork after Kylian Mbappe was brought down shortly after halftime.
The match took another turn when Vinicius Junior received a red card for shoving Dimitrievski, leaving Madrid with ten men and trailing by one goal. This could have silenced many teams, but not Real Madrid. With time running out, they turned to their veteran, Luka Modric, who had recently made waves by becoming the oldest goal scorer for Madrid at 39 years and 116 days.
Modric, who had been substituted late in the game, combined beautifully with Bellingham, who assisted the Croatian for the equalizer with just five minutes remaining. The iconic midfielder made no mistake, gracefully slotting the ball past Dimitrievski to re-ignite hope for Real Madrid.
This goal was more than just an equalizer; it exemplified Modric's poise and experience, showcasing why he’s still regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation. The camaraderie and fighting spirit of the team were palpable as they maintained belief, refusing to back down even under pressure, as Modric later highlighted: "We never stopped believing. We did not give up and we were able to overcome a very difficult match.”
With the match tied at 1-1, the visitors seized momentum and capitalized on complacency from the Valencia defense. Following a catastrophic mishap by Guillamón, who misplayed the ball, Bellingham dashed forward and scored the late winner, securing the points for his side and illustrating his rising status as Real Madrid’s leading man.
“(Bellingham had) great game, he didn’t dip after the missed penalty,” reflected Ancelotti. “It gave him extra motivation… (scoring) was a reward for him for the game he had,” highlighting the player's resilience and determination after missing the penalty earlier.
Despite being reduced to ten men, the collective effort of Real Madrid prevailed, showcasing their clutch performance on such occasions. Modric and Bellingham were instrumental, combining their skill and experience to salvage what seemed to be slipping away. With Bellingham scoring his sixth goal across all competitions this season, he continues to make his mark as one of the signings of the year.
Valencia, who have been struggling this season, could not find the strength to respond. Even after Luis Rioja rattled the crossbar with what would have been a stunning equalizer at the 100th minute, their efforts fell short. They are now seemingly sinking deep, sitting four points away from safety.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid stands at the summit of La Liga, two points clear of their nearest rivals Atletico Madrid. Luka Modric's historic goal not only emphasized his immense contribution to the team but also placed him among the club’s legends with his 561st match, equalling the records of greats like Pirri and Michel.
Reflecting on their position at the top of the table, Modric noted, "It’s still early, but it’s nice. Looking back, a month ago we were in a more complicated situation, and now we are the leaders.' Such sentiments resonate deeply within the squad, as they continue to build on their strong start, determined to improve even more.
This match will undoubtedly become another chapter of the famed Real Madrid saga—a story filled with passionate comebacks, historical milestones, and tireless dedication. Their victory at Mestalla is not just three points; it is a statement of intent to anyone competing for the La Liga title this season. With young talent and experienced stalwarts, Real Madrid looks poised to challenge for more silverware as the campaign heats up.