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Real Madrid continued their flawless start to the 2026 La Liga season with a hard-fought victory over Valencia at Mestalla, maintaining their challenge against league leaders Barcelona.
With Vinícius Júnior unavailable due to suspension and Rodrygo Goes out with an injury, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa opted for a tactical 4-4-2 formation.
Kylian Mbappé joined forces with Gonzalo García in the forward line, but Madrid found it tough to find their rhythm in a first half that lacked significant attacking action from either team.
Opportunities were limited, though debutant right-back David Jiménez nearly opened the scoring before halftime, testing Valencia’s goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski with a precise shot from the edge of the box.
Carreras breaks the deadlock
Clear chances were scarce, although debutant right-back David Jiménez came closest to breaking the deadlock before the interval, forcing Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski into a sharp save with a low effort from the edge of the area.
The breakthrough finally arrived on 65 minutes through a moment of individual brilliance. Álvaro Carreras drove past two Valencia defenders before squeezing a composed finish inside the near post, lifting the belief of the away side in an otherwise flat contest.
Mbappé seals it late
Valencia threatened an immediate response when Lucas Beltrán’s strike drifted narrowly wide, but that proved to be their best opportunity.
Madrid then sealed the result deep into stoppage time, as Brahim Díaz released Mbappé, who calmly finished to make it 2-0.
Results matter more than performance
It was far from a vintage display, but efficiency was enough. The win moves Real Madrid back to within one point of Barcelona at the summit and keeps them firmly in the title race, with a chance to briefly go top should they overcome an in-form Real Sociedad next weekend.