Real Madrid overturned by Valencia

An intense, charged encounter between Valencia and Real Madrid in which goals from Barragán and Otamendi cancelled out Cristiano Ronaldo’s opener. In this, matchday 17 in La Liga BBVA, Real Madrid’s 22 match unbeaten run (in all competitions) finally came to an end.

Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium burst to life for this frenzied encounter. Valencia pressed Madrid all over the pitch, making for a very broken opening, neither team asserting superiority to begin with. A Cristiano Ronaldo penalty eventually gave Carlo Ancelotti’s men the lead. Thereafter Madrid’s midfielders took control, limiting Valencia to very few oppportunities – though André Gomes did have a gilt-edged chance near half time.

Valencia came out strong in the second forty-five, Antonio Barragán’s deflected effort putting them ahead. The match then became much more open, and a sensational header from Nicolás Otamendi made it 2-1 to the home side. The three points for Valencia sees them cement their position in 4th, and leaves Real Madrid still at the top on 39 points, but looking over their shoulders at the fast-advancing Barcelona.