Jude Bellingham scored a stoppage-time winner to give 10-man Real Madrid a thrilling 2-1 victory over Valencia on Friday, propelling his team to the top of La Liga.
The English midfielder made amends for an earlier missed penalty, stepping up in the 96th minute after a defensive error by Valencia. His late heroics came after teammate Vinicius Junior was sent off with just over ten minutes remaining for shoving Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.
Valencia took the lead in a heated first half through Huro Duro, putting pressure on Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Real Madrid struggled to find their rhythm, and the tension escalated when Vinicius, who had previously faced a hostile reception at the same stadium, received a red card.
Despite being a man down, Real Madrid rallied. Luka Modric equalized in the 85th minute, capitalizing on Bellingham’s assist to spark the comeback. Ancelotti praised his team’s resilience but expressed surprise at their sluggish start.
“It’s hard to explain how badly we did in the first half and how well we did in the second, even with 10 men,” Ancelotti said. “We didn’t think it was a red card. He went off and the team reacted. It’s three very important points, deserved, but we can’t show these two sides of ourselves.”
Vinicius took to social media after the match, posting, “Sorry and thanks team,” acknowledging his teammates’ efforts to secure the win.
Valencia nearly snatched a draw in the dying moments, with Luis Rioja striking the post in the 100th minute. The defeat extends their winless streak in La Liga since November, leaving them four points adrift from safety.
Real Madrid now sit two points clear of rivals Atletico Madrid at the top of the table, although Atletico have a game in hand. The victory marks a significant boost for Los Blancos as they continue their pursuit of the league title.
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Bellingham gives Real Madrid win at Valencia after Vinicius sees red
cgtn.com
