Yesterdag I experienced my first La Liga match live. Real Madrid faced Valencia, a fixture with a long and storied history in Spanish football. Nevertheless, in recent years, Valencia has struggled and currently even sits in the relegation zone. Los Blancos find themselves on top of the table, riding high after a brilliant performance last week in El Clásico.
A difference like day and night between the two clubs at the moment. Last year, Valencia caused a huge shock by winning 2-1 in the Spanish capital, a defeat that ultimately cost Real the title. A result where Valencia coach Carlos Corberán would dream of.
With an eye on next week’s Champions League clash against Liverpool, a few key players were rested. Even before the very start, Real Madrid were the clear favorites.
Just 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 and immediately the visitors found themselves, like already the whole season, in trouble. Valencia lost possession early after a sloppy long ball, giving Mbappé an early chance, but he missed. Fede Valverde tried his luck on a rebound shortly after, but the shot went wide. Momentum kept for Los Blancos when Jude Bellingham contributed with a chance of his own, but still goalles.
The visitors lend a helping hand ,literally, when Éder Militão heads the ball against the arm of César Tárrega. After a VAR intervention, a penalty is awarded, and for Mbappé it’s of course a simple task to convert it. 1–0 after 19 minutes.
Real Madrid kept controlling the game, but Valencia didn’t simply sit back. In the 34th minute, Arda Güller delivered a precise cross that Mbappé met at the far post, finishing in one touch to make it 2-0. Everything the Frenchman touches, turns to gold in recent weeks.
Valencia had begun showing a bit more attacking intent at that point, but Madrid’s dominance was clear. Just before half-time, Vini Jr was fouled in the box, earning a new penalty. Another penalty, everyone thinks Mbappé will take it, but he leaves it to his Brazilian teammate. I didn’t expect it, but goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala stops the penalty from Vini, making it back-to-back games with a missed penalty for Xabi Alonso’s men.
Just before halftime, Jude made it 3-0. A fantastic long-range shot landed perfectly in the bottom corner. After scoring against Juventus and FC Barcelona, he now found the net against Valencia as well. The Brit seems to have finally found his great form again.
The players went to the locker room with victory already secured for the home team. Los Murciélagos needed a miracle to get back into the game, given the way the game was going.
In the second half, Real Madrid opted to control the game and take it easy. Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos came on. Valencia continued to dominate the game, but the 4-0 goal remained elusive. Mbappé, among others, came close to his hat trick several times.
But 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. A rocket into the top corner, Agirrezabala had no chance. 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 and compatriot Thibaut Courtois kept the clean sheet.
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 attending the press conferences given by both coaches. Needless to say, Xabi Alonso was a lot happier than his counterpart Carlos Corberán, the coach of Valencia. Real Madrid remains the leader, while Los Che can prepare for a long and difficult season.
