Real Madrid suffered a defeat of 1-2 in front of Valencia in Santiago Bernabéu during the 30th day of LaLiga on April 4, 2025. It was a party full of emotions, controversies and a dramatic end. This result complicates things for Real Madrid in its quest for leadership, while Valencia, with this victory, takes three crucial points that help them to distance themselves from the zone of descent.
Alignments
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1):
- Porter: Fran González
- Defenses: Lucas Vázquez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antonio Rüdiger, Fran García
- Campers: Federico Valverde, Luka Modrić; Brahim Díaz, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr.
- Delantero: Kylian Mbappé
- Substitutions: Eduardo Camavinga (by Fran García, min. 65), Rodrygo (by Brahim Díaz, min. 75).
- Coach: Carlo Ancelotti
Valencia (5-3-2):
- Porter: Giorgi Mamardashvili
- Defenses: Cristhian Mosquera, Mouctar Diakhaby, César Tárrega, Max Aarons, Jesús Vázquez
- Campers: André Almeida, Enzo Barrenechea, Javier Guerra
- Delanteros: Diego López, Umar Sadiq
- Substitutions: Hugo Duro (by Umar Sadiq, min. 70), Luis Rioja (by Diego López, min. 85).
- Coach: Carlos Corberán
Technical and Tactical Analysis
Real Madrid:
Real Madrid started the party with a very offensive approach, aligning itself with a 4-2-3-1 that sought to take advantage of the bands with Vinícius Jr. and Brahim Díaz, while Mbappé was positioned as the front center. However, the lack of precision in the last pass and the solid defense of Valencia frustrated their initial attempts. Practically, the Ancelotti team maintained a high possession (62% according to SofaScore statistics), but lacked depth in the first half. Camavinga’s entry in the second time gave the team more dynamism, but the lack of contundence in attack and some defensive errors in key moments made the difference.
Valencia:
Valencia, under the direction of Carlos Corberán, raised a very solid 5-3-2, with a defensive line of five that neutralized the attempts of Real Madrid to penetrate the area. His strategy was based on defending with order and leaving the coup quickly, taking advantage of the speed of Diego López and Umar Sadiq. In the second time, Hugo Duro’s income was key to maintaining offensive pressure, and his goal in the 95th minute sealed victory. Valencia showed a great tactical discipline, with 38% possession, but a lethal effectiveness in its opportunities (2 goals of 5 shots at door).
MVP of the Party
Mouctar Diakhaby (Valencia):
Diakhaby was the defensive pillar of Valencia, marking the first goal of the party and leading the zaga with authority. His ability to anticipate Mbappé and Vinícius, in addition to his solidity in the air duels (winned 5 of 6), made him the most outstanding player of the meeting. His head goal in the 15th minute opened the marker and gave the team confidence to keep their game plan.
goals and assistance
- 0-1 (min. 15): Mouctar Diakhaby (Valencia). Head after a córner served by André Almeida.
- 1-1 (min. 50): Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid). Great center of Luka Modrić that Vinícius pushed to the bottom of the network.
- 1-2 (min. 90+5): Hugo Duro (Valencia). Assistance from Luis Rioja after a lethal contragolpe, with Duro defining with a crossfire against Fran González.
Scores of Players
Real Madrid:
- Fran González: 6 – He could not do much in the goals, but showed insecurity in the exits.
- Lucas Vázquez: 5 – Surfaced in the goal of Duro, with little offensive projection.
- Aurélien Tchouaméni: 6 – Right in defense, but slow in the balloon exit.
- Antonio Rüdiger: 6 – He won duels, but failed in the mark on the second goal.
- Fran García: 5 – Superado por Diego López, replaced in the second time.
- Federico Valverde: 6 – He tried to lead the midfield, but without clarity.
- Luka Modrić: 7 – Support for the goal of Vinícius, the most lucid of the team.
- Brahim Díaz: 5 – Little impact, replaced in 75.
- Jude Bellingham: 6 – Irregular, with quality but no real impact.
- Vinícius Jr.: 6 – Marked the tie, but failed a clamorous criminality and showed lack of concentration.
- Kylian Mbappé: 5 – It failed a clear occasion and was well controlled by the rival defense.
- Substitutes:
- Eduardo Camavinga: 6 – He brought energy, but it was not enough.
- Rodrygo: 5 – He came late and had no impact.
Valencia:
- Giorgi Mamardashvili: 8 – He stopped a criminality to Vinícius and made several key outlets.
- Cristhian Mosquera: 7 – Solid in defense, won important duels.
- Mouctar Diakhaby: 9 – MVP, goal and defensive leadership.
- César Tárrega: 7 – He committed the crime, but he rebuked with a good match.
- Max Aarons: 7 – He controlled Vinícius well in the first time.
- Jesus Vázquez: 7 – He contributed in defense and attack by the left band.
- André Almeida: 8 – Assistance in the first goal and great work in the midfield.
- Enzo Barrenechea: 7 – He cut many balls in the middle of the field.
- Javier Guerra: 7 – Incansable, pressured and generated danger.
- Diego López: 7 – Very active, he attended the goal of Duro before being replaced.
- Umar Sadiq: 6 – He fought a lot, but without clarity in attack.
- Substitutes:
- Hugo Duro: 8 – He entered and marked the goal of victory.
- Luis Rioja: 7 – Key assistance in the goal of Duro.
Party Poles: Arbitrary and VAR Errors
The party was marked by several controversial arbitral decisions that generated debate:
- Criminalti Polémico a Favor del Real Madrid (min. 12):
Arbitrator Guillermo Cuadra Fernández asked for a criminality after a supposed lack of César Tárrega on Mbappé. The move was revised by the VAR, but the decision remained, although many felt that the contact was minimal. Vinícius Jr. was responsible for the execution of the penalti, but his shot was too focused and Mamardashvili stopped him without problems. This failed criminal marked one before and one after, as Real Madrid lost confidence after that mistake. - Gol Anulado al Real Madrid (min. 20):
A goal of Diakhaby in his own door was annulled by an out-of-place Mbappé, who, according to the VAR, interfered with the play. The decision was quite adjusted and provoked protests by Real Madrid, which believed that the goal should have been valid. - Extra time and “Karma”:
The referee decided to add 7 minutes extra time, which initially seemed to play in favor of Real Madrid, which was looking for the draw. But, in the 95th minute, Valencia surprised a lethal coup and scored 1-2. Many fans and analysts commented on the “karma”, as that extra time, which seemed to be an advantage for the local team, ended up becoming their perdition.
Statements by Players and Trainers
Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid):
“We haven’t been at our best. We failed a criminal, annuled us a goal and eventually punished us with a coup. The team fought, but we lacked the clarity we needed. LaLiga is very tight, and this result complicates things, but we will continue to fight.” Ancelotti also questioned the decision of the Penalty: “It was a debatable move, but if you are pitted, you have to convert it. We cannot waste those opportunities. “
Carlos Corberán (Valencia):
I’m really proud of my players. We defended with great order and learned to take advantage of the opportunities presented to us. This result fills us with confidence to keep fighting to keep us in the category. The goal of Hugo Duro in the end is the recognition of our effort. As for the crime, Corberán was direct: “I don’t think it was criminal, but that’s football. What matters is that we stayed calm and got the victory. “
Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid):
“It was a tough game. I failed the criminal and I’m sorry for the team. We tried to get back, but they scored at the end. We must continue to work and improve.” Vinícius avoided talking about arbitral decisions, but his frustration was evident.
Hugo Duro (Valencia):
“This goal means a lot to me and the team. We knew it would be a tough game, but we fought to the end and got the three points. This victory gives us life in the struggle for salvation. “
Porta de los Diarios Deportivos
- Brand (Spain): “Karma in Bernabéu! Valencia assaults the white fief with a goal in 95′ after a penalty failed by Vinícius. “
- AS (Spain): “Valencia sinks to Madrid: Vinícius fails a penalty and hard sentence on the discount.”
- World of Sports (Spain): “Valencia gives the surprise and removes Madrid from the title. Arbitral polemics and a dramatic end. “
- L’Equipe (France): “Le Real Madrid s’effondre face à Valence : Mbappé impuissant, Vinicius rate un penalty.”
- The Guardian (United Kingdom): “Valencia stuns Real Madrid with last-gasp winner in LaLiga thriller.”
- Olé (Argentina): “Valencia le amarga la noche al Real Madrid: penal fallado y gol en el último suspiro.”
Extended Analysis of the Victoria of Valencia and its Implications in LaLiga
Impact for Valencia:
This victory is a great moral impulse for Valencia, which was in a complicated situation on the table (16th with 24 points before the match). The three points that they achieved in the Bernabéu allow them to reach a total of 27 points and distance themselves to 7 points of the zone of descent, which gives them a break in their struggle to stay in the category. Practically, the team showed a solid defense, with Diakhaby and Mamardashvili as key figures, and an impressive effectiveness in attack, especially in the final coup. The entrance of Hugo Duro was crucial, demonstrating that Valencia has the necessary to compete against the great, even in a scenario as difficult as the Bernabéu.
Impact for Real Madrid:
For Real Madrid, this defeat represents a hard blow to his hopes of fighting for LaLiga. Before the match, the team held the second place with 38 points, just 3 from the leader, FC Barcelona. With this fall, they are stuck in 38 points, while Barcelona, which plays against the Betis the same day, could increase its advantage to 6 points if it wins. In addition, the Atlético de Madrid, with 41 points and one less match, also distances itself in the classification. The lack of effectiveness in attack, with failures of Vinícius and Mbappé, together with the defensive errors in the last minutes of the game, reveal the weaknesses of the team at a crucial time of the season. This result, coupled with the team’s inconsistency in the last days (6 victories, 2 draws and 2 defeats in the last 10 matches), generates doubts about its ability to maintain the pace in the fight for the title.
Implications in LaLiga:
The victory of Valencia not only has an impact on Real Madrid, but also raises the competitiveness of LaLiga. The FC Barcelona, under the direction of a Hansi Flick that has revitalized the team (as demonstrated in its recent 7-1 against Valencia), is positioned as the great favorite to take the title. For its part, the Atlético de Madrid, which has a lesser match, also takes advantage of this trip from Real Madrid. For Valencia, this result could be a turning point in its season, giving them the confidence to face the next matches and secure their place in the First Division.
Conclusion
Valencia achieved a historic victory in Santiago Bernabéu, taking advantage of Real Madrid’s mistakes and demonstrating a great tactical solidarity. The party was filled with arbitral controversy, especially with the penalty failed by Vinícius and the extra time that, instead of favoring Real Madrid, allowed Valencia to seal the meeting. This result removes Real Madrid from the struggle for LaLiga, while Valencia breathes a little more in its struggle for permanence. The defeat adds pressure on Ancelotti and his players, who will have to react quickly if they want to continue in the title fight.
