Real Madrid initiated 2025 on the right foot with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Valencia at the iconic Mestalla on January 3. This match, significant not only for its thrilling conclusion but also for the bittersweet circumstances surrounding it, marked the first La Liga action for both clubs since devastating floods led to the postponement of their previous encounter. Now, with this latest triumph, Los Blancos have solidified their position at the top of the La Liga standings.
The game unfolded amid heightened emotions and tension, as Valencia supporters faced off with police outside the stadium during protests against the club's management. On the pitch, things kicked off energetically. Both teams exhibited early threats, with Federico Valverde for Madrid and Hugo Duro for Valencia aiming to break the deadlock. And it was Duro who triumphed, scoring the first goal of the evening. He netted the ball after Real Madrid's goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, blocked Javi Guerra's initial effort, marking the home team's lead at the 27th minute.
Real Madrid’s efforts to equalize intensified following the goal. A golden opportunity arose when Jude Bellingham earned himself a penalty after Kylian Mbappé was fouled. Unfortunately for Madrid, Bellingham’s shot struck the post, leaving the visitors frustrated and trailing as the second half unfolded. Just minutes later, another chance seemed to present itself when Mbappé found the back of the net, only for it to be disallowed by VAR for offside.
The situation took another downturn for Madrid when they were reduced to ten men. Vinícius Jr. received a straight red card after slapping Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski, adding more pressure on Carlo Ancelotti’s squad who was already struggling.
But as the clock approached the final minutes, Madrid's resolve showed through. Luka Modric, stepping up at the climactic moment, evened the score with just five minutes left on the clock, receiving Bellingham's assist and unleashing a low shot past Dimitrievski.
Then, with the match seemingly destined for a draw, Bellingham redeemed himself from his earlier penalty miss. With the match floating precariously on the line, he surged forward and calmly found the net, sealing the victory for Madrid with just seconds remaining on the clock.
Post-match comments reflected the intense emotions of the encounter. Ancelotti expressed pride in Bellingham, noting, "The missed penalty gave him extra motivation; he worked hard, and the goal is a deserved reward for him for the game he played." Meanwhile, Valencia striker Duro, visibly frustrated, lamented, "It hurts to lose like this. We had chances, and losing the advantage feels especially painful after the sending off.”
This comeback has significant repercussions for the La Liga standings. With the victory, Real Madrid ascended to the top with 43 points—two points clear of Atlético Madrid, who still have matches to play. Meanwhile, Valencia now finds themselves deep within relegation troubles, sitting second-bottom with just 12 points, four adrift of safety.
Despite celebrating the launch of the new year with such euphoric highs, Real Madrid must quickly shift focus as they prepare for their upcoming matches, including the Copa del Rey Round of 32 against fourth-tier side CD Minera, followed by competing for the Supercopa de España against Mallorca. Valencia, on the other hand, will be licking their wounds and regrouping under new coach Carlos Corberán, still searching for their first La Liga victory since late November.