Saturday, April 5, 2025

Valencia stuns Real Madrid to hand Barca huge title boost

By Dom Farrel, MADRID,  Spain 

Hugo Duro 95th-minute winner gave Valencia a famous 2-1 victory at Real Madrid that blows a huge hole in the champions' La Liga title defence.

Madrid were looking to go level on points with leaders Barcelona, who play Real Betis later on Sunday but fell behind to Mouctar Diakhaby's 15th-minute header after Vinicius Jr. had a penalty saved.

The Brazil winger atoned for that error with an equaliser early in the second half, but Madrid were unable to build on that moment. 

Their star names, aside from the excellent and tireless Kylian Mbappe, were largely subdued.

As the Santiago Bernabeu waited expectantly for a trademark late decider from Carlo Ancelotti's heroes, Valencia took the points as Duro powered home a header from a cross by fellow substitute Rafa Mir.

It sealed Valencia's first away win of the season and ended a 17-year wait for a victory at the Bernabeu.

Carlos Corberan's side move seven points clear of the relegation zone, with a totemic display from Liverpool-bound goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili a key factor in their triumph. 

The ramifications of this result could prove to be even more decisive at the top of the table.

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