Pre-Match
Some matches just feel different, and this one did for me. Real Madrid faced Valencia CF at the Santiago Bernabéu, and for once, I couldn’t really say I wanted one team to win more than the other. I’ve lived in both cities — now in Madrid, but last year in Valencia — so watching these two sides meet felt slightly unsettling. I wanted them both equally to win.
The last time they met in La Liga was on April 5, 2025, which also happened to be my birthday. That night, Valencia won 2–1, a result that still stings for many Madrid fans and added a bit of extra motivation for this game.
This match mattered for both sides, but for very different reasons. Real Madrid were looking to keep their five-point lead over Barcelona at the top of the table. Valencia, on the other hand, were fighting to climb out of the relegation zone, sitting 18th with just nine points. Xabi Alonso’s team entered the match in form and full of confidence, led by their usual trio of Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and Mbappé. Valencia arrived in Madrid under pressure, but also with pride and the hope of turning their season around.
The Bernabéu was electric before kick-off. The lights, the music, the crowd — it had that familiar intensity that only Spanish football can create.
First Half
Real Madrid returned to their classic 4-3-3 formation, while Valencia opted for a solid 4-4-2, focusing on a compact defense and quick counterattacks. Before the match started, there was a short tribute for Mbappé, who had just been awarded the Golden Boot. The team gathered for a quick photo, and then it was time for a minute of silence. Both teams stood in silence in memory of José Manuel Ochotorena, and Julia Sánchez Herrera. One of the famous goalkeepers of Real Madrid, and the grandmother of captain Dani Carvajal.
The first chance came early, in the 4th minute, from the Golden Boot winner himself, but his shot went high over the goal. Both teams looked composed in possession, but Real Madrid began to create more danger. Valencia’s Danjuma tried to respond with a fast sprint, but Madrid’s defense stayed firm.
By the 12th minute, the Bernabéu was buzzing. The fan section hadn’t quieted down once, and you could feel that a goal was coming. Real Madrid’s high pressure earned them a corner in the 14th minute. The cross hit a Valencia defender, and instantly the Madrid players surrounded the referee, claiming a handball. VAR checked the play, tension filled the stadium, and finally, Busquets pointed to the spot.
Mbappé stepped up calmly in the 18th minute and converted the penalty, putting Madrid ahead 1–0. That goal woke Valencia up. They started pressing higher and challenging Madrid’s rhythm. But soon, Real Madrid regained control and began pushing for a second.
Valencia’s compact defensive line frustrated the Madrid attackers, but in the 30th minute, Mbappé made it 2–0 after a perfect assist from Güler. Five minutes later, Tchouaméni picked up a yellow card for a tough challenge, and in the 41st minute, Vinícius earned another penalty — only to see his effort brilliantly saved, twice.
But luck didn’t stay with Valencia for long. Just before halftime, Bellingham scored from close range, making it 3–0. The stadium erupted, and the first half ended with Madrid fully in control.
Second Half
The second half began with several substitutions. Güler and Tchouaméni were replaced by Ceballos and Camavinga for Madrid, while Valencia swapped Beltrán for Almeida. Real Madrid immediately took back possession and didn’t leave Valencia’s half for the opening ten minutes.
In the 55th minute, Valencia made a triple change — Rioja, López, and Correia off, Duro, Vázquez, and Cömert on — trying to add energy and close down space. The pace of the match slowed slightly, more balanced than the chaotic first half, but Madrid still dictated play.
Valencia managed a few promising moments, like in the 65th minute when they pushed forward in search of a goal, yet every attempt met with Madrid’s defensive wall. The pressure was relentless.
By minute 67, Asencio replaced Huijsen, and in the 77th minute, the Bernabéu rose to its feet as Endrick came on for his debut under Xabi Alonso. Vinícius was subbed off, and Rodrygo came in. Mbappé left the field to a standing ovation.
Valencia kept fighting but couldn’t find a way through. In the 82nd minute, Carreras sealed the night with a stunning strike to make it 4–0. Near the end, Pepelu was subbed for Guerra and received a yellow card for tripping Madrid’s number 30. After two minutes of added time, the referee blew the final whistle.
After the Match
The Madridistas were delighted. Another three points secured, another strong step toward the title. Valencia’s players, on the other hand, left the pitch with their heads high despite the 4–0 defeat. It’ll be a long three-and-a-half-hour drive back to the coast, and even longer to climb out of the danger zone.
For me, this night felt extra special. My mom and sister were in the stands, watching the game live, which meant that after the final whistle I could finally switch off the “working student” mode and just enjoy being a fan for a bit.
Next up, another big one: Real Madrid travel to Anfield to face Liverpool — two of my favourite teams, and another match that promises to be exciting…
A quick mandatory pre-match picture, before the chaos of typing…
