Zinedine Zidane’s men were put to the sword by Valencia as the Los Blancos couldn’t stretch their lead at the top of the table against their title rivals. Valencia ran out 2-1 winners at the Mestalla stadium against a Madrid side that were toothless in attack despite Ronaldo managing to get one goal back for the visitors.
Two goals in nine minutes were enough for the home team to get three crucial points. Simone Zaza’s spectacular turn and half-volley after four minutes had the Valencia faithful on their feet, the West Ham flop has now scored 2 goals in as many games. Munir was in space on the right side and he picked out the Italian, what took place next was absolutely incredible.
Zaza collected the ball facing his back towards the goal and somehow managed to shot on the turn to find the top corner of the net with his left foot. Keylor Navas didn’t move in the Valencia goal as the ball flew fast him with four minutes on the clock.
And just 5 minutes later, the La Liga giants were shell-shocked as they fell two behind after a superb counter-attack that was finished off by Orellana when Raphael Varane lost possession in the Valencia half. The home side ran forward with numbers on the break, Nani then fed a delightful pass into the path of Orellana who slotted the ball in between the keepers’ legs sending the home fans into ecstasy.
Muir then had an effort deflected over the bar and James Rodriguez almost put Real back into contention, although his shot was cleared off the line. Madrid then began to gain their composure and got going in the game as Karim Benzema’s header was tipped over brilliantly by Valencia goal-keeper Diego Alves but he could not do anything about Ronaldo’s spectacular towering header just before half time.
Marcelo curled in a lovely cross from the left side after being awarded space and time to the back post where Ronaldo was lurking and the and he rose highest beating Alves with a powerful header. The score was 2-1 to the home side at half time and remained so till full time.
Madrid continued to apply the pressure and each side had a penalty decision waved down in the second half. Gareth Bale was introduced but could not do enough to muster up a clear goal scoring opportunity. Valencia though continued to frustrate their opponents as they kept on winning cheap free-kicks and reducing the pressure and flow of the Madrid attack.
Zidane kept urging his players to keep their heads up but in vain as all their efforts were well defended by the Valencia back-line. Luis Enrique would probably see this game as an indicator to keep his hopes of catching their arch rivals in terms of winning the title.
