Real Madrid beat Valencia 3-0 to move level with Barcelona at the top of La Liga

Real Madrid moved temporarily level with leaders Barcelona after a 3-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla in the 12th round of La Liga.

Federico Valverde, Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe scored for the visitors, who secured an eighth successive win in all competitions.

The result took Real Madrid to 30 points, joining Barcelona at the summit until the Catalan side play Atletico Madrid on Sunday in the same round of fixtures. Valencia remain on nine points in 19th place.

Mbappe’s goal added another landmark to his career. He became the first French player to score at least 30 goals in official competitions for six consecutive years with a club from one of Europe’s five major leagues.

Valverde also continued a notable run from long range. The Uruguay midfielder has now scored from outside the penalty area in two consecutive matches for Real Madrid in all competitions. It is the third time he has achieved that during his career at the club, and the first since he scored in three successive games in October 2022.

Tribute to Jesus de Miguel

Before kick-off, both teams held a minute’s silence in memory of Jesus de Miguel, the Tenerife striker.

The match was then stopped in the ninth minute to honour him, reflecting his number at Tenerife.

Real Madrid’s team selection saw Valverde return to the starting line-up in La Liga after missing the previous league match against Racing Santander. Trent Alexander-Arnold was named among the substitutes.

Valverde opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a powerful effort from outside the Valencia penalty area, giving goalkeeper the home side little chance.

Real Madrid doubled their advantage nine minutes later. Jude Bellingham’s cross struck a Valencia defender before falling to Guler, who completed the move by sending the ball into the net.

Mbappe added the third in the 76th minute after receiving a pass from Guler. The France forward produced an individual piece of play, dribbling past the Valencia goalkeeper before finishing.

Valencia’s situation worsened three minutes later when defender Jose Gaya was shown a red card for a challenge on Mbappe in the 79th minute.

Real Madrid held on to complete a convincing away victory and continue their pursuit of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the La Liga title race.