Real Madrid Draw Level with Barcelona After Comfortable Win at Valencia

ANEWS.co, JAKARTA - Real Madrid continued their impressive form in La Liga with a commanding 3-0 victory over Valencia, drawing level on points with leaders Barcelona and strengthening their position in the championship race.

The visitors took control of the match from the outset and were rewarded in the 28th minute when captain Federico Valverde broke the deadlock. The Uruguayan midfielder unleashed a powerful low strike from around 20 yards after Kylian Mbappe's free-kick rebounded off the defensive wall.

Madrid doubled their advantage eight minutes later through Arda Guler. The young Turkish midfielder reacted quickest after Jude Bellingham's cutback took a fortunate deflection and fell perfectly into his path, allowing him to volley home from close range.

The match was briefly paused after nine minutes as players and supporters paid tribute to Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who recently passed away following a serious injury suffered in a Spanish second-division match. A minute's applause echoed throughout the stadium in a touching show of respect.

Valencia struggled to respond against Madrid's dominance. Carlo Ancelotti's side controlled possession, dictated the tempo, and limited the hosts to very few meaningful opportunities.

The result was effectively sealed in the 75th minute. Guler turned provider this time, slipping a well-weighted pass through to Mbappe, who calmly rounded the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into an empty net. The goal marked the French forward's 13th league strike of the season.

Valencia's difficult evening became even worse when captain Jose Gaya was shown a straight red card. The defender brought down Mbappe as the striker raced clear on goal, leaving the referee with little choice but to dismiss him.

The victory was Real Madrid's fourth consecutive league win and leaves them level on points with Barcelona, separated only by goal difference. Barcelona, however, have the opportunity to restore their advantage when they face Atletico Madrid.

For Valencia, the defeat leaves them 19th in the standings, just one point from safety after suffering their seventh league loss of the campaign.