Valencia secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over reigning LaLiga champions Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, thanks to a 95th-minute winner from Hugo Duro.
The result ended Valencia’s longest-ever winless streak at the historic stadium and moved them seven points clear of the relegation zone.
All eyes were on 19-year-old Real Madrid debutant Fran Gonzalez, but the young goalkeeper struggled early, nearly mishandling a poor backpass from Lucas Vázquez.
the other end, Valencia shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili made a key intervention, saving a penalty from Vinícius Júnior after Kylian Mbappé had gone down under Cesar Tarrega’s challenge.
Just minutes later, Mouctar Diakhaby powered in a header from André Almeida’s corner to give Valencia a surprising lead. A defensive mix-up between the same duo almost led to an own goal, but Mbappé was ruled offside in the buildup, sparing their blushes.
Real Madrid continued to push for an equaliser, with Mbappé coming close on multiple occasions—his efforts deflected wide, saved, or striking the woodwork.
Jude Bellingham also tested the Valencia defense but it was Vinícius who finally broke through, converting at the back post from Bellingham’s flicked header off a Luka Modric corner just minutes into the second half.
Valencia weathered relentless pressure as Los Blancos pressed for a winner. Diakhaby made a crucial block to deny Rodrygo, while Mamardashvili stayed sharp to stop Federico Valverde’s effort. Jesus Vázquez also produced a vital clearance in front of Lucas Vázquez to maintain parity.
As the match approached its conclusion, both sides had chances, but it was Valencia who found the decisive moment. Rafa Mir delivered a perfect cross that Hugo Duro met with a precise header to snatch a late winner in the dying moments.
Mamardashvili then denied Antonio Rüdiger to preserve the result, as Valencia celebrated a five-match unbeaten run for the first time since October 2022.
The defeat was a significant blow for Real Madrid, who now risk falling six points behind league leaders Barcelona by the end of the day, having lost two of their last five league outings.
