Valencia take scrappy win against 10-man Madrid

The match started on very even footing, with both sides making attempts in their opponent's boxes. Madrid had several good oportunities, but didn't capitalise on any and were punished for it.

In the 33rd minute Valencia surged forward and the cross from Kluivert connected with Diego Lopez, who slotted the ball low under a diving Courtois. The goal that earned Valencia's three points was the forward's first in La Liga.

Madrid kept pushing until the half but despite attempts from Asensio and Vinicius Jr, the Spanish side couldn't make any of them count. 

Madrid came out pushing in the second half but with some great saves by Mamardashvili, Valencia kept their lead. The second half only got more chaotic from there.

The game got heated after Kluivert got a yellow for clearing a second ball on the pitch into the path of Vinicius Jr and the game was paused. During the pause Vinicius squared off with home fans at Mestalla as he appeared to be racially abused by a Valencia supporter.

The Brazilian forward stood in front of the fans behind the goal and pointed to one, with team-mate Eder Militao by his side. Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea spoke to stadium officials, who made an announcement calling for racist insults to stop before play resumed.

The delay led to 10 minutes being added on at the end, with Giorgi Mamardashvili producing a stunning save to deny Fede Valverde. The Valencia goalkeeper then produced another spectacular stop to tip Toni Kroos's free kick over the bar.

Players from both sides ended up in a brawl in stoppage time which ended in a red card for Vinicius for lashing out at Duro with his arm.

Valencia held on for the last minutes of stoppage time, albeit rather scrappily, and walked away from the game with 3 points that might keep them in La Liga next season. The victory helped them rise to 15th, five points clear of the relegation zone, sparking huge celebrations at full-time, with the team almost safe.

Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a fine save to deny Javi Guerra as Valencia fought for their lives against a Madrid side with little left at stake, besides aiming to finish ahead of rivals Atletico Madrid.

Diego Simeone's side overtook Madrid by a point with a 3-0 win against Osasuna earlier on.

 

May 21, 2023