Yesterdag I experienced my first La Liga match live, and it was unforgettable. Real Madrid faced Valencia, a fixture with a long and storied history in Spanish football. In recent years, Valencia has struggled and currently even sits in the relegation zone, while Real Madrid came into the game riding high after a brilliant performance against their biggest rival FC Barcelona, topping the league table. Last year, Valencia caused a huge shock by winning 2-1 in the Spanish capital, a defeat that ultimately cost Real the title.
From the very start, Real Madrid were the clear favorites. With an eye on next week’s Champions League clash against Liverpool, a few key players were rested. Before kickoff, Kylian Mbappé was celebrated for being named La Liga Player of the Month for the second consecutive month, a fitting recognition of his incredible form. The Frenchman can look back on his start to the season with great satisfaction. He sits at the top of the scorer rankings in both La Liga and the Champions League.
The game started at a fast pace. Valencia lost possession early after a sloppy long ball, giving Mbappé a chance, but he missed. Valverde tried his luck on a rebound shortly after, but the shot went wide. Jude contributed with a chance of his own, and soon after, a Valencia player handled the ball in the box, leading to a penalty after VAR review. Mbappé stepped up confidently this time and scored, giving Real the lead 1-0 in the 19th minute. Valverde attempted another shot in the 29th minute, only to see it saved by the keeper.
Real Madrid controlled the game, but Valencia didn’t simply sit back. In the 34th minute, Guller delivered a precise cross that Mbappé met at the far post, finishing in one touch to make it 2-0. Valencia had begun showing a bit more attacking intent at that point, but Real’s dominance was clear. In the 42nd minute, Vini was fouled in the box, earning a penalty, but the keeper made a crucial save when Vini took it himself. Just before halftime, Jude struck once again, netting his third consecutive goal—after scoring against Juventus and Barcelona, he now found the net against Valencia as well.
Six minutes of added time followed in the first half. Real had another opportunity when Vini laid the ball off to Guller, who shot straight at the keeper. Valencia seemed completely disoriented, unable to mount any serious threat.
The second half saw Camavinga and Ceballos came on, and Real Madrid immediately seized control. Vini made a breathtaking run from defense to attack, passing to Mbappé, but Agirrezabala denied him in the 62nd minute. Valencia managed their first shot of the half shortly after, only for Courtois to handle it easily. Minutes later, a miscommunication led to a corner for Valencia, but nothing came of it. Mbappé had another attempt in the 70th minute, and Camavinga tried a shot in the 76th minute, but both were off target.
Then it was time for the best goal of the whole eveing as Spanish left-back Carreras surprised everyone with a spectacular strike into the top corner. His first goal for the club and it’s one to remeber.In the 90th minute, we saw one of Valencia only attacks when they launched a a shot hitting the post. Great strike from Javi Guerra, but Real Madrid remained unshaken.
At the end, it’s easy to say that Los Blancos controlled the match from start to finish, and watching it live was truly a special experience. Mbappé, Vini, and Jude all left their mark. This first La Liga match will definitely be one I’ll never forget. For me personally, the evening got even better. After the final whistle, I had the pleasure of watching the press conferences given by both coaches. Needless to say, Xabi Alonso was a lot happier than his counterpart Carlos Corberan, the coach of Valencia. Real Madrid remains the leader, while Valencia can prepare for a long and difficult season.
