Real Madrid produced a remarkable late turnaround to secure a 2-1 victory over Valencia, with Jude Bellingham scoring the winner.
Despite going down to 10 men following Vinicius Junior’s red card, Madrid’s persistence paid off as they overturned a first-half deficit in dramatic fashion.
Valencia started the game brilliantly, taking the lead in the 27th minute.
Thierry Correia found space on the right flank and crossed the ball to Javi Guerra, whose initial shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Hugo Duro reacted the fastest and put in the rebound, giving the home team a well-deserved 1-0 lead.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid side struggled to impose themselves early on and Valencia looked more dangerous on the break.
The guests had the best chance in the half when Federico Valverde shot hard straight at Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.
🏁 @valenciacf_hr 1-2 @realmadriden
⚽ 27′ Hugo Duro
⚽ 85′ @lukamodric10
⚽ 90’+5′ @BellinghamJude#ValenciaRealMadrid | @Emirates pic.twitter.com/rOkM4NtxKq— Real Madrid CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 3, 2025
Despite dominating possession, Madrid lacked sharpness in the final third and went into the break trailing.
Los Blancos came out with more intent in the second half, but their frustrations grew as chances dwindled.
A penalty awarded in the 53rd minute offered a saving grace when Kylian Mbappe was brought down in the penalty area. However, Bellingham’s penalty hit the post, letting Valencia out of the game.
Madrid’s task became even more difficult in the 79th minute when Vinicius Jr. was sent off after a VAR review.
The Brazilian clashed with Dimitrievski, shoving the goalkeeper in the face after a heated exchange. Reduced to 10 men, Madrid seemed to be running out of time and ideas.
Despite having one less player, Madrid equalized in the 85th minute. Jude Bellingham, key throughout the game, perfectly balanced the ball to Luka Modric.
The Croatian substitute ran into the box and pushed the ball past Dimitrievski for 1-1.
The goal revitalized Madrid and Valencia, who were down for most of the second half, came under immense pressure in the final minutes.
Just as the game seemed destined for a tie, Bellingham took advantage of a defensive error in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
Hugo Guillamon’s final pass left Dimitrievski stranded and Bellingham raced onto the ball before calmly curling it into the bottom corner.
The Mestalla fell silent as the teenager celebrated what turned out to be the winning goal.
