Valencia 2-1 Real Madrid
Valencia welcome the league leaders to the Mestalla Stadium as they look to secure a win which would go along way to appeasing their fans unrest.Valencia have had a torrid time in recent years and they have continued to struggle this year. Following on from a disastrous season where they finished in 12th place, after 22 games they find themselves struggling again in 16th place, just 7 points above the relegation zone. A key factor in their demise appears to be their defensive frailties; in 22 games they have conceded 40 goals at a rate of 1.82 per game. This means they have the 4th worst defensive record in La Liga, which is unacceptable for a team of Valencia's stature. If these frailties continue it seems as if it's going to be another long and hard season for 'Los Che', but a victory here will increase morale dramatically at the troubled club.
In contrast, Real Madrid are flying under Zinedine Zidane. After 21 games Real Madrid occupy top spot with 52 points, 1 point clear of fierce rivals Barcelona with 2 games in hand. Despite having an inferior goal difference compared to Barcelona, Real Madrid seem to have developed the knack of picking up points with narrow victories and are reaping the rewards. The other good news for Real Madrid is they are no longer over reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo. Although Ronaldo is still their main main, he has only contributed 14 of Real Madrid's 56 goals in the league this year. This is a huge positive for Real Madrid as it proves the team are winning them games, not just one player.
Pundit's match predictions: (1 point for correct winner and 1 point for correct result)
1) James Stroud (Charlton fan - 2 points): 5-1 to Real Madrid, the visitors will have far too much for Valencia as they exploit their opponents frailties in defence
2=) James Rolt (Chelsea fan - 1 point): 3-1 Real Madrid, Benzema will get on the score-sheet
2=) James Kaye (Arsenal fan - 1 point): 3-0 Real Madrid, Bale will come off the bench and grab a goal or two as he steps up his comeback from injury
2=) David Stroud (Chelsea fan - 1 point): 2-1 Real Madrid, the game will be tight but Ronaldo will prove to be the difference as his brace seperates the two sides
2=) Jordan Parslow (Manchester United fan - 1 point): 2-1 Real Madrid, Ronaldo to win his side the 3 points with a brace
6) Luke Marsh (Manchester United fan - 0 points): 3-0 Real Madrid, Benzema to grab himself a brace and Bale to come on and grab a goal
A lot is on the line for both teams. Real Madrid can extend their advantage at the top of the league to 4 points with a game in hand over Barcelona. Valencia can ease their fears and go 10 points clear of the relegation zone. Who will prevail in this contest between two teams with contrasting fortunes?
The teams lined up as follows:
Valencia: Alves, Gaya, Mangala, Garay, Cancelo, Parejo, Perez, Orellana, Nani, Munir, Zaza
Real Madrid: Navas, Marcelo, Ramos,Varane, Carvajal, Casemiro, Modric, Kroos, James, Ronaldo,
Benzema
Kick off
Real Madrid were upping the ante and this time it was Benzema who was denied by Alves as he tipped over the Frenchman's long range effort.
But Valencia were in no mood to simply defend their lead and they could have been 3-0 up had it not been for the heroics of the away goalkeeper. Parejo's 25 yard free kick looked destined for the top corner, but Navas would acrobatically deny him as he clawed his effort away to safety. Valencia had another chance a few minutes later after great work from Nani down the left, but Parejo failed to make his effort count as his effort sliced high and wide. Unfortunately for Nani this was his last involvement in the match as he soon came off injured with a groin injury.
Valencia were performing heroically all over the pitch and were doing their utmost best to keep Real Madrid at bay. This time it was Garay's turn to keep Real Madrid from getting on the scoresheet as he did well to clear the ball over his bar after a dangerous headed cross by Benzema.
Although Valencia's defence was performing admirably, they could not hold out any longer and Ronaldo punished them. Marcelo picked the ball up on the left side and he had time and space to drill a cross into the box. Mangala was not tight enough to Ronaldo and thus the World Player of the year had a free header, and he would make no mistake as his effort from 10 yards nestled into the top corner. (2-1)
The goal proved to be a real momentum shift and Ronaldo almost doubled his tally just a minute later. Ronaldo picked up the ball just outside the box and left fly but his effort took a deflection. This bamboozled Alves in the Valencia goal and he was left stranded, but fortunately for the home side the ball went inches wide.
Half Time: 2-1
That was the last notable action of the half and Valencia went into the half holding a narrow 2-1 lead. It was a great performance from the home side all over the pitch and they did not look like a side who weer languishing 15th in the table and only 7 points above the relegation zone.
For Real Madrid they will have been hugely disappointed with their performance going into the break. Their defence were slow to get going and they paid the price as they conceded 2 early goals. Fortunately for Real Madrid they were looking more like their imperious best in the final 5 minutes of the first half, meaning the signs were there for them to mount a second half comeback.
The second half began with Real Madrid dominating proeceedings. Valencia were defending very deep and could not hold the ball for any sustained period of time. Had it not been for a few smart saves from Alves this game could have easily been level. Despite still holding a 2-1 lead, it only looked a matter of time until Real Madrid would make their pressure count and restore parity in the game.
On the 53 minute mark Ronaldo went down in the box under contact from Mangala but his claims were waved away by the referee. On review it looked as if there was contact and Valencia could have had few complaints had it been given.
Despite having little of the play in the opening stages of the second half, Valencia went close to re-extending their advantage to 2 goals. Parejo did extremely well to keep the ball in and go past Carvajal, but his shot from a very tight angle was well saved by Navas.
With his side struggling to break through Valencia's defence, Zidane turned to Gareth Bale to add some flair to their attack and he soon came on in replace of James Rodriguez.
This time it was Valencia who were left frustrated as they had two penalty appeals waved away. Zaza seized on Varane's mistake and he drove into the box, but he was denied an effort on goal as he was taken out by Carvajal. The referee deemed this an acceptable challenge and thus waved play on. The second incident occurred when Ramos trod on Munir's foot inside the box, but again the referee waved away their protests. For me both penalties probably could and should have been given, with the first of which being as blatant as they come. Nevertheless luck was not on Valencia's side and they were not given the opportunity to add to their lead.
As time whittled down Real Madrid were running out of time to get on terms. Valencia were defending admirably at the back and were not showing any signs at all that they had the 4th worst defence in the division. They were forced to endure a nervy moment after a goal mouth scramble in the box, but the referee came to Valencia's aid as he blew up for a foul.
Real Madrid were getting desperate and almost restored parity with a minute to go. The ball dropped to Ramos on the edge of the box and he unleashed a dipping volley, but he could only look on in despair as it dropped narrowly wide.
Valencia were being forced to defend for their lives and this time it was Perez who saved his team as he blocked Bale's goal bound effort.
The away side continued to knock on the door and had another golden chance to score a dramatic late equaliser. Marcelo whipped a ball in with his right foot and it fell to the head of Ronaldo 6 yards out, but he could not direct his effort on target.
A succession of corners followed but Real Madrid could not find a way through. They had thrown the kitchen sink at Valencia but the 4th worst defence in the division held firm. Miraculously, Valencia had pulled off a major upset which very few would have envisioned before the start of play.
Final Score: 2-1
It was a terrific performance from Valencia and ultimately they deserved the victory. They had overcome the league leaders and managed to pick up a vital 3 points in the process as they eased their relegation fears. With that result they move up one place into 14th place with 26 points, 10 points above the relegation zone.
Although it was a disappointing result and performance from Real Madrid, this result is not disastrous for them. They had failed to extend their lead at the top, but still hold a 1 point advantage over Barcelona with a game in hand over their bitter rivals.
Player ratings:
Valencia: Alves(8) Gaya(7) Mangala(7) Garay(7) Cancelo(7) Parejo(7) Perez(7) Orellana(7) Nani(7) Munir(6) Zaza(8)
Real Madrid: Navas(6) Marcelo(7) Ramos(6) Varane(5) Carvajal(6) Casemiro(6) Modric(6) Kroos(5)
James(5) Ronaldo(6) Benzema(5)
In contrast, Real Madrid are flying under Zinedine Zidane. After 21 games Real Madrid occupy top spot with 52 points, 1 point clear of fierce rivals Barcelona with 2 games in hand. Despite having an inferior goal difference compared to Barcelona, Real Madrid seem to have developed the knack of picking up points with narrow victories and are reaping the rewards. The other good news for Real Madrid is they are no longer over reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo. Although Ronaldo is still their main main, he has only contributed 14 of Real Madrid's 56 goals in the league this year. This is a huge positive for Real Madrid as it proves the team are winning them games, not just one player.
Pundit's match predictions: (1 point for correct winner and 1 point for correct result)
1) James Stroud (Charlton fan - 2 points): 5-1 to Real Madrid, the visitors will have far too much for Valencia as they exploit their opponents frailties in defence
2=) James Rolt (Chelsea fan - 1 point): 3-1 Real Madrid, Benzema will get on the score-sheet
2=) James Kaye (Arsenal fan - 1 point): 3-0 Real Madrid, Bale will come off the bench and grab a goal or two as he steps up his comeback from injury
2=) David Stroud (Chelsea fan - 1 point): 2-1 Real Madrid, the game will be tight but Ronaldo will prove to be the difference as his brace seperates the two sides
2=) Jordan Parslow (Manchester United fan - 1 point): 2-1 Real Madrid, Ronaldo to win his side the 3 points with a brace
6) Luke Marsh (Manchester United fan - 0 points): 3-0 Real Madrid, Benzema to grab himself a brace and Bale to come on and grab a goal
The teams lined up as follows:
Valencia: Alves, Gaya, Mangala, Garay, Cancelo, Parejo, Perez, Orellana, Nani, Munir, Zaza
Subs: Domenech, Siqueira, Suarez, Bakkali, Abdennour, Medran, Soler
Real Madrid: Navas, Marcelo, Ramos,Varane, Carvajal, Casemiro, Modric, Kroos, James, Ronaldo,
Benzema
Subs: Casilla, Nacho, Bale, Kovacic, Vazquez, Morata, Isco
Kick off
Valencia came flying out the blocks and broke the deadlock with a wonderful piece of skill from Zaza. He received a cross in the box facing away from goal, before swivelling and firing an unstoppable volley into the top corner. It was a sensational goal and one you would not expect from someone who struggled so badly at West Ham earlier on this season. (1-0)
The home side could not have hoped for a better start and it got even better for them as they extended their lead after 8 minutes. The Real Madrid defence was all over the place as Zaza, Nani and Orellana combined, and the Chilean forward would make no mistake as he swept the ball under the on-rushing Navas to spark scenes of jubilant within the home crowd. (2-0)
Real Madrid could not quite believe it and they were staring down the barrel of defeat just 10 minutes into the game. Fortunately for Real Madrid, they had conceded first on 4 occasions this season and failed to lose any of those games. It looked as if they were intent on keeping this record, but Munir was able to get back just in time and clear off the line from Rodriguez's effort at the back post.
Real Madrid were upping the ante and this time it was Benzema who was denied by Alves as he tipped over the Frenchman's long range effort.
But Valencia were in no mood to simply defend their lead and they could have been 3-0 up had it not been for the heroics of the away goalkeeper. Parejo's 25 yard free kick looked destined for the top corner, but Navas would acrobatically deny him as he clawed his effort away to safety. Valencia had another chance a few minutes later after great work from Nani down the left, but Parejo failed to make his effort count as his effort sliced high and wide. Unfortunately for Nani this was his last involvement in the match as he soon came off injured with a groin injury.
Valencia were performing heroically all over the pitch and were doing their utmost best to keep Real Madrid at bay. This time it was Garay's turn to keep Real Madrid from getting on the scoresheet as he did well to clear the ball over his bar after a dangerous headed cross by Benzema.
Although Valencia's defence was performing admirably, they could not hold out any longer and Ronaldo punished them. Marcelo picked the ball up on the left side and he had time and space to drill a cross into the box. Mangala was not tight enough to Ronaldo and thus the World Player of the year had a free header, and he would make no mistake as his effort from 10 yards nestled into the top corner. (2-1)
The goal proved to be a real momentum shift and Ronaldo almost doubled his tally just a minute later. Ronaldo picked up the ball just outside the box and left fly but his effort took a deflection. This bamboozled Alves in the Valencia goal and he was left stranded, but fortunately for the home side the ball went inches wide.
Half Time: 2-1
That was the last notable action of the half and Valencia went into the half holding a narrow 2-1 lead. It was a great performance from the home side all over the pitch and they did not look like a side who weer languishing 15th in the table and only 7 points above the relegation zone.
For Real Madrid they will have been hugely disappointed with their performance going into the break. Their defence were slow to get going and they paid the price as they conceded 2 early goals. Fortunately for Real Madrid they were looking more like their imperious best in the final 5 minutes of the first half, meaning the signs were there for them to mount a second half comeback.
The second half began with Real Madrid dominating proeceedings. Valencia were defending very deep and could not hold the ball for any sustained period of time. Had it not been for a few smart saves from Alves this game could have easily been level. Despite still holding a 2-1 lead, it only looked a matter of time until Real Madrid would make their pressure count and restore parity in the game.
On the 53 minute mark Ronaldo went down in the box under contact from Mangala but his claims were waved away by the referee. On review it looked as if there was contact and Valencia could have had few complaints had it been given.
Despite having little of the play in the opening stages of the second half, Valencia went close to re-extending their advantage to 2 goals. Parejo did extremely well to keep the ball in and go past Carvajal, but his shot from a very tight angle was well saved by Navas.
With his side struggling to break through Valencia's defence, Zidane turned to Gareth Bale to add some flair to their attack and he soon came on in replace of James Rodriguez.
This time it was Valencia who were left frustrated as they had two penalty appeals waved away. Zaza seized on Varane's mistake and he drove into the box, but he was denied an effort on goal as he was taken out by Carvajal. The referee deemed this an acceptable challenge and thus waved play on. The second incident occurred when Ramos trod on Munir's foot inside the box, but again the referee waved away their protests. For me both penalties probably could and should have been given, with the first of which being as blatant as they come. Nevertheless luck was not on Valencia's side and they were not given the opportunity to add to their lead.
As time whittled down Real Madrid were running out of time to get on terms. Valencia were defending admirably at the back and were not showing any signs at all that they had the 4th worst defence in the division. They were forced to endure a nervy moment after a goal mouth scramble in the box, but the referee came to Valencia's aid as he blew up for a foul.
Real Madrid were getting desperate and almost restored parity with a minute to go. The ball dropped to Ramos on the edge of the box and he unleashed a dipping volley, but he could only look on in despair as it dropped narrowly wide.
Valencia were being forced to defend for their lives and this time it was Perez who saved his team as he blocked Bale's goal bound effort.
The away side continued to knock on the door and had another golden chance to score a dramatic late equaliser. Marcelo whipped a ball in with his right foot and it fell to the head of Ronaldo 6 yards out, but he could not direct his effort on target.
A succession of corners followed but Real Madrid could not find a way through. They had thrown the kitchen sink at Valencia but the 4th worst defence in the division held firm. Miraculously, Valencia had pulled off a major upset which very few would have envisioned before the start of play.
Final Score: 2-1
It was a terrific performance from Valencia and ultimately they deserved the victory. They had overcome the league leaders and managed to pick up a vital 3 points in the process as they eased their relegation fears. With that result they move up one place into 14th place with 26 points, 10 points above the relegation zone.
Although it was a disappointing result and performance from Real Madrid, this result is not disastrous for them. They had failed to extend their lead at the top, but still hold a 1 point advantage over Barcelona with a game in hand over their bitter rivals.
Player ratings:
Valencia: Alves(8) Gaya(7) Mangala(7) Garay(7) Cancelo(7) Parejo(7) Perez(7) Orellana(7) Nani(7) Munir(6) Zaza(8)
Subs: Siqueira(6) Suarez(6) Soler(6)
Real Madrid: Navas(6) Marcelo(7) Ramos(6) Varane(5) Carvajal(6) Casemiro(6) Modric(6) Kroos(5)
James(5) Ronaldo(6) Benzema(5)
Subs: Nacho(6) Bale(5) Vazquez(5)
Man of the match: Simone Zaza
Honourable mention: Ezequiel Garay
Man of the match: Simone Zaza
Honourable mention: Ezequiel Garay
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