Real Madrid beat Valencia 3-0 at Mestalla with goals from Valverde, Arda Güler and Mbappé, securing a fifth straight La Liga win to move level with Barcelona.
Real Madrid Beat Valencia 3-0 as Mourinho Extends Winning Run and Moves Level With Barcelona
Real Madrid continued their impressive run of form under José Mourinho with a commanding 3-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla on Saturday evening, securing a fifth consecutive La Liga win and moving level with Barcelona at the top of the Spanish league standings. Goals from Federico Valverde, Arda Güler and Kylian Mbappé ensured that the visitors collected another three important points in the 12th round of the championship, maintaining the pressure on their greatest rivals ahead of Sunday's meeting between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. The performance highlighted the growing confidence of Mourinho's team, who controlled the most important periods of the encounter and demonstrated the attacking efficiency required to overcome an opponent struggling near the bottom of the table.
The Portuguese manager watched his players establish a two-goal advantage before half-time, with Valverde opening the scoring in the 28th minute and Güler doubling the lead eight minutes later. Valencia attempted to respond after the interval, but Madrid remained dangerous whenever they advanced into attacking positions, eventually adding a third goal through Mbappé in the 75th minute. The home side's difficult evening became even worse when captain José Gayà received a straight red card shortly afterwards, leaving Valencia with ten players and effectively ending any remaining hopes of a comeback. The result allowed Real Madrid to reach 30 points, the same total as Barcelona, although the Catalan club remain ahead on goal difference with a game in hand.
Beyond the scoreline, the victory represented another encouraging development for Mourinho following his return to the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid have now recorded eight consecutive victories across all competitions, demonstrating considerably greater consistency after a period in which the team struggled to establish the level of performance expected at the club. Their improvement has been particularly noticeable in their ability to manage matches more effectively, combining disciplined defensive organisation with attacking contributions from several different positions. Although the title race remains closely contested, the latest victory has strengthened Madrid's position and increased the importance of the remaining fixtures in the 12th round.
Valverde Opens the Scoring as Real Madrid Take Control at Mestalla
The match began with Real Madrid attempting to establish control through possession, although Valencia initially demonstrated a willingness to challenge the visitors and exploit occasional defensive mistakes. The home side created an early opportunity when Aarón Mayol threatened following a misplaced pass from Aurélien Tchouaméni, forcing Thibaut Courtois to intervene and prevent the opening goal. Valencia also briefly believed they had taken the lead from the resulting corner, but the effort was ruled out because Guido Rodríguez was in an offside position. Those moments served as an important warning for Mourinho's players, who needed to improve their concentration and make better use of the possession they were enjoying.
Real Madrid gradually became more convincing as the first half progressed, with Jude Bellingham, Bernardo Silva and Güler helping the team move possession into dangerous areas. The visitors were particularly effective when recovering the ball and immediately looking to attack the spaces between Valencia's defensive lines. Although the hosts initially remained organised, they found it increasingly difficult to prevent Madrid from creating shooting opportunities around the penalty area. Mourinho's team eventually made the breakthrough following a situation that appeared unlikely to produce a goal, demonstrating the importance of reacting quickly to second balls.
The opening goal arrived in the 28th minute when Mbappé attempted a free kick that struck the Valencia defensive wall, sending the ball into a dangerous position outside the penalty area. Valverde reacted immediately, striking a powerful half-volley from distance that travelled low into the corner of the net, leaving goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski unable to respond. The finish demonstrated the Uruguayan's exceptional shooting ability, particularly his capacity to generate power and accuracy from outside the box. It was also an important reward for a player who has continued adapting to different responsibilities under Mourinho while remaining capable of delivering decisive attacking contributions.
The goal changed the direction of the encounter, forcing Valencia to consider a more adventurous approach while allowing Real Madrid to exploit additional space. Mourinho's players responded by moving possession with greater confidence, and the second goal arrived only eight minutes later. Bellingham advanced towards the left byline and delivered a dangerous cross that deflected off Pepelu before reaching Güler at the far post. The Turkish international reacted calmly and finished from close range in the 36th minute, doubling Madrid's advantage and placing the visitors in a commanding position before the interval.
For Valencia, conceding twice in such a short period represented a significant setback after an encouraging opening in which they had briefly threatened to take the lead. The home side had demonstrated that Madrid could be vulnerable when possession was lost in dangerous areas, but their inability to maintain defensive concentration proved costly. Mourinho's team, by contrast, showed the efficiency that has become an increasingly important feature of their recent performances. Having survived an early scare, Madrid capitalised on their opportunities and entered the dressing room with a deserved two-goal advantage.
Arda Güler Shines Again as Mbappé Completes the Victory
The second half began with Real Madrid maintaining control of possession while looking for opportunities to extend their advantage. Valencia attempted to introduce greater urgency into their attacking movements, but the visitors remained organised and prevented the home side from developing sustained pressure. With a two-goal lead already established, Mourinho's players were able to manage the tempo more effectively, choosing when to accelerate their attacks rather than committing unnecessary numbers forward. The approach allowed Madrid to remain dangerous without exposing themselves to the counterattacks that had created problems during the opening stages.
Güler continued to play an influential role, demonstrating the creativity and technical ability that have made him an increasingly important member of the squad. The Turkish international regularly looked for space between Valencia's midfield and defensive lines, providing passing options and helping Madrid maintain their attacking rhythm. Dimitrievski was forced into several interventions during the second half, denying both Güler and Mbappé before producing a particularly impressive double save to prevent Bellingham and the French striker from adding to the scoreline. Those opportunities demonstrated that Madrid were capable of creating further danger despite already holding a comfortable advantage.
The third goal eventually arrived in the 75th minute when Güler produced another decisive contribution, this time as the creator rather than the scorer. The midfielder identified Mbappé moving into space inside the Valencia penalty area and delivered an accurate pass that allowed the French international to advance towards goal. Mbappé displayed excellent composure, moving around the onrushing goalkeeper before finishing into an empty net to make it 3-0. The goal brought his La Liga total to 13 for the season and provided another indication of the consistency he has demonstrated in front of goal during the opening months of the campaign.
Mbappé's contribution was particularly important because his movement created problems for Valencia throughout the encounter, even during periods when Madrid were not attacking continuously. His ability to accelerate into space and make intelligent runs behind defenders provided Mourinho with an effective attacking option, while his finishing quality ensured that the visitors could turn promising situations into goals. The French forward has developed an increasingly productive understanding with Güler, whose passing and awareness complement Mbappé's movement. Their combination for the third goal offered another example of the attacking possibilities available to Real Madrid as the season progresses.
Valencia Captain José Gayà Sent Off After Challenge on Mbappé
Valencia's difficult evening became even worse shortly after Madrid's third goal when captain José Gayà received a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Mbappé. The incident occurred in the 79th minute, leaving the home side reduced to ten players for the final stages of a match that had already become extremely difficult to recover. The dismissal reflected the growing frustration within the Valencia team, who had struggled to contain Madrid's attacking players after conceding twice in the opening half. With a three-goal deficit and one fewer player, the hosts were left concentrating on preventing further damage rather than attempting an increasingly improbable comeback.
The red card also provided another example of the difficulties Valencia experienced when trying to disrupt Madrid's attacking movements. As the visitors grew more comfortable in possession, the home side frequently resorted to physical challenges in an attempt to stop players advancing into dangerous positions. Although aggression and determination are essential when facing technically superior opposition, maintaining discipline is equally important, particularly when a team is already struggling to compete. Gayà's dismissal removed one of Valencia's most experienced players and added another negative moment to an evening that ended in disappointment for the Mestalla supporters.
Real Madrid managed the closing minutes without taking unnecessary risks, maintaining possession and ensuring that Valencia were unable to create another meaningful opportunity. Mourinho's side had already established a decisive advantage and were able to concentrate on protecting the clean sheet while controlling the remainder of the encounter. The result demonstrated the team's ability to balance attacking ambition with defensive discipline, an important quality during a long league season when managing physical demands can be just as significant as producing impressive individual performances.
Bernardo Silva Establishes Himself in Mourinho's Starting Lineup
Another important aspect of the match was the continued involvement of Portuguese international Bernardo Silva, who started his fifth consecutive game for Real Madrid across all competitions. The experienced midfielder has become an increasingly regular presence in Mourinho's team, providing technical quality, composure and tactical intelligence in central areas. His ability to operate in different positions allows the manager to make adjustments without disrupting the overall structure, while his experience at the highest level is particularly valuable during demanding periods of the season. Against Valencia, Bernardo contributed to Madrid's control of possession and helped create the conditions for the attacking players to influence the match.
Mourinho selected a midfield containing Bernardo, Tchouaméni, Bellingham and Güler, combining defensive security with several players capable of progressing the ball into dangerous positions. Valverde continued operating at right-back, demonstrating the tactical flexibility that has become an important characteristic of Madrid's recent performances. The arrangement allowed Güler greater freedom to contribute in advanced areas, while Bernardo and the other midfielders helped maintain balance behind the attacking players. It was another encouraging demonstration of how Mourinho has been adapting the squad's qualities to create a more consistent collective approach.
The absence of Vinícius Júnior, who was serving the final match of a four-game suspension, also required the manager to maintain alternative solutions in attack. Yan Diomande was again selected on the left flank alongside Mbappé, allowing Madrid to preserve attacking width and pace despite missing one of their most influential forwards. The team's ability to secure another convincing victory without Vinícius will provide additional confidence, particularly as the season becomes more demanding. For Mourinho, having different attacking options capable of contributing effectively represents an important advantage when managing injuries, suspensions and the congested fixture calendar.
Real Madrid Move Level With Barcelona as La Liga Title Race Intensifies
The victory at Mestalla carries considerable significance for the La Liga title race, with Real Madrid moving onto 30 points after 12 matches and temporarily drawing level with leaders Barcelona. The Catalan club remain ahead on goal difference and have played one game fewer, but Mourinho's team have ensured that their rivals cannot afford to lose concentration during Sunday's encounter with Atlético Madrid. Having secured five consecutive league victories, Real Madrid are demonstrating the consistency required to remain competitive at the top of the standings. Their recent results have also helped rebuild confidence following a period in which questions were raised about the team's ability to challenge consistently for major trophies.
Sunday's meeting between Atlético and Barcelona now becomes particularly important because Diego Simeone's side enter the encounter in third place with 28 points. A victory for Atlético would take them to 31 points and allow them to move above both Barcelona and Real Madrid, while a win for the Catalan club would restore a three-point advantage over Mourinho's team. A draw would leave Barcelona and Madrid level on points, with the remaining positions determined by the relevant standings criteria. The close nature of the competition means that every result carries considerable importance, particularly during a period when the leading clubs are attempting to establish momentum before the winter schedule.
Real Madrid's eight consecutive victories in all competitions represent an encouraging achievement, especially because the sequence has included important domestic results and demanding Champions League fixtures. Mourinho's players have demonstrated an ability to respond to different challenges, sometimes producing convincing attacking performances and at other times relying on organisation and individual quality to secure narrow victories. The result against Valencia reflected several of those strengths, with the visitors recovering from an uncertain opening before establishing control and converting their opportunities efficiently. Maintaining that consistency will be essential if Madrid hope to compete successfully for the league title throughout the remainder of the season.
Valencia Remain in Trouble Near the Bottom of the Standings
For Valencia, the defeat represented another disappointing result in a season that has become increasingly difficult. Javier Aguirre's side remain second from bottom with only nine points from 12 matches, having recorded just two league victories and failed to win any of their home fixtures so far. The defeat against Madrid highlighted several of the problems affecting the team, particularly defensive mistakes and difficulties maintaining concentration against opponents possessing greater attacking quality. Although Valencia showed some promise during the opening period, they were unable to build on those moments and gradually lost control after conceding the first goal.
The situation is particularly concerning because Mestalla has traditionally been regarded as one of Valencia's greatest advantages, with the passionate home support capable of creating a demanding atmosphere for visiting teams. However, the lack of positive results has increased frustration among supporters, who are watching their club struggle to establish the consistency required to climb the standings. Aguirre now faces the challenge of restoring confidence while addressing the defensive weaknesses that have contributed to several disappointing performances. The team must also improve its attacking effectiveness, as remaining competitive against stronger opponents requires taking advantage of the opportunities created during favourable periods.
Gayà's dismissal added another complication to Valencia's immediate plans, with the experienced captain now facing suspension following his red card. Losing an important member of the squad at a time when results are already disappointing will place additional pressure on the coaching staff, particularly as the team attempts to improve its position before the season reaches its halfway point. Nevertheless, Valencia cannot afford to allow one difficult result against Real Madrid to determine its outlook for the coming fixtures. The immediate priority must be collecting points against direct rivals and rebuilding the defensive organisation required to compete more effectively.
Racing Santander Complete Comeback as Other La Liga Matches End in Draws
Elsewhere in the 12th round of La Liga, Racing Santander secured an important 2-1 away victory over Málaga after recovering from a first-half deficit at La Rosaleda. The home side took the lead in the 28th minute through Carlos Dotor, creating hope that they could collect a much-needed victory in front of their supporters. However, Racing responded strongly after the interval, with Iker Luque equalising in the 50th minute before Yassir Zabiri completed the turnaround ten minutes later. The visitors demonstrated greater attacking effectiveness during the second half and eventually secured their first away victory of the league campaign.
Málaga's hopes of recovering from the setback became even more difficult when Adam Aznou was dismissed in the 64th minute after receiving a second yellow card. The Moroccan player had already been booked during the opening half, and his departure left the home side with ten players while they were attempting to find an equaliser. Racing were able to protect their narrow advantage, with Portuguese midfielder André Almeida introduced during the second half. The result left Málaga at the bottom of the standings with just five points, increasing the pressure on a team struggling to produce consistent performances following its return to the highest level of Spanish football.
In Barcelona, Espanyol and Deportivo La Coruña shared the points following a goalless draw at the RCDE Stadium. Neither team managed to find the decisive breakthrough, with both sides ultimately settling for a result that offered limited progress in their respective league campaigns. Meanwhile, Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao played out a 1-1 draw in Pamplona, completing another closely contested fixture in Saturday's programme. These results contributed to a competitive round of matches in which Real Madrid were the most convincing winners, strengthening their position near the top while other teams continued searching for greater consistency.
Mourinho Keeps Real Madrid on Course Ahead of a Crucial Period
Real Madrid's convincing victory over Valencia provided further evidence that Mourinho's team are developing the consistency required to challenge for major honours this season. The goals from Valverde, Güler and Mbappé demonstrated the range of attacking options available to the Portuguese manager, while the clean sheet reflected the defensive organisation that has helped Madrid secure an impressive sequence of victories. The continued involvement of Bernardo Silva and the tactical flexibility of players such as Valverde have also allowed Mourinho to maintain a balanced structure despite suspensions and a demanding fixture schedule.
Although the title race remains far from decided, securing three points at Mestalla ensured that Madrid maintained pressure on Barcelona and Atlético ahead of their important encounter on Sunday. Mourinho will be encouraged by the team's ability to control matches and capitalise on important moments, particularly after establishing a two-goal advantage before half-time against Valencia. However, the manager will also recognise that maintaining such a strong run requires constant concentration, with upcoming fixtures presenting different challenges against opponents determined to disrupt Madrid's momentum.
For now, Real Madrid can reflect on another successful evening in which their attacking quality and collective organisation proved too much for a struggling Valencia side. Five consecutive league victories have transformed their position in the championship, and the latest result means that the battle for first place remains exceptionally close after 12 rounds. With Mbappé continuing to score, Güler becoming increasingly influential and Mourinho finding effective solutions throughout the squad, Madrid have every reason to approach the next stage of the campaign with confidence. The challenge will be to maintain those standards as the competition intensifies and the race for the Spanish title becomes increasingly demanding.
