Real Madrid stunned by Valencia’s injury-time winner, title hopes take a hit
Hugo Duro scored a decisive goal in injury time, leaving Real stunned.
KATHMANDU: Real Madrid’s La Liga title hopes have taken a blow after a shock 2-1 defeat to Valencia on Saturday.
Hugo Duro scored a decisive goal in injury time, leaving Real stunned.
This loss could prove costly for Real as they were fighting for the top spot with Barcelona. In the 95th minute, Duro headed in a brilliant cross from Rafa Mir to secure the win for Valencia.
Earlier, Valencia’s Mouctar Diakhaby had opened the scoring with a header in the 15th minute, converting a cross from André Almeida.
Real had missed a chance to take the lead when goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili saved a penalty from Vinícius Júnior. The penalty was awarded after Real’s Kylian Mbappé was fouled in the box by César Tárrega.
In the second half, Vinícius Jr. equalized for Real, but Mbappé’s shot narrowly missed the post.
With 66 points, Real is now 3 points behind league leaders Barcelona, though they have played one more game.
For Valencia, this victory is historic, marking their first win at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium since 2008. Valencia sits 15th with 34 points.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team will now turn their attention to the Champions League, where they will face Arsenal in the first leg of the quarter-finals at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
