Mouctar Diakhaby played a pivotal role in Valencia’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday, scoring the opening goal and helping inspire one of the most significant wins of the club’s season.
The Guinean international struck early, giving Valencia a shock lead just moments after Real Madrid missed a golden opportunity to go in front.
Vinícius Júnior had the chance to put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot, but his miss proved costly as Diakhaby punished the error with a swift response at the other end.
Diakhaby’s opener came as a blow to the home side, and despite dominating possession, Real Madrid found themselves trailing against a well-organised Valencia defence that refused to fold under pressure.
Madrid responded after the break, levelling the match in the 50th minute through Vinícius, who made up for his earlier miss by finding the back of the net with a composed finish.
The goal reinvigorated Carlo Ancelotti’s men, who pushed forward in search of a winner, but Valencia remained resolute.
The game appeared destined for a draw until the closing stages, when substitute Hugo Duro stunned the Bernabéu with a decisive strike.
The forward, once part of Real Madrid’s academy setup, dealt a final blow to his former club by netting Valencia’s second in the dying moments, sealing all three points for the visitors.
The win was a statement performance from Valencia, who combined defensive resilience with clinical finishing to outmanoeuvre one of Europe’s elite sides on their own turf.
Diakhaby’s contribution, both in defence and in scoring the opener, was instrumental to the outcome and highlighted his growing influence within the team.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Real Madrid, who had multiple opportunities to turn the tide but failed to capitalise at crucial moments.
Vinícius’s penalty miss set the tone, and despite his equaliser, the Brazilian’s efforts weren’t enough to prevent only Madrid’s third league defeat of the campaign.
The result has significant implications for both sides. For Valencia, it was a morale-boosting victory that moves them closer to securing a top-half finish in La Liga.
For Real Madrid, it serves as a setback in their pursuit of the title, with the pressure now mounting as the season enters its decisive phase.
Diakhaby’s performance will be remembered as one of his finest in a Valencia shirt.
The 27-year-old, known primarily for his defensive duties, stepped up in a high-pressure environment to deliver a goal that shifted the momentum in his team’s favour.
His leadership and composure underlined why he has become such a vital figure at the heart of Valencia’s back line.
As the final whistle blew, the celebrations among the travelling Valencia players and fans were loud and heartfelt.
Against one of the toughest opponents in the league, they had pulled off a deserved victory—one that may well define their campaign.
C’est la mi-temps entre le Real Madrid et le FC Valence !
C’est l’occasion de revoir ensemble le but magistral de Mouctar Diakhaby sur coup de tête.
📲 @beinsports_FR pic.twitter.com/SpFdiDf6ab
— 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲́𝗲𝗻𝘀 🇬🇳🐘 (@Joueurs_GN) April 5, 2025
