SPORT: Valencia 2 – 1 Real Madrid [La Liga] Highlights 2016/17

0 KIKI GIST Thursday, February 23, 2017

Zinedine Zidane’s side failed to make one of their games in hand count as two early goals cost them dearly at the Mestalla, Valencia handed a major boost to Barcelona and Sevilla in LaLiga’s title race as they beat Real Madrid 2-1 at Mestalla.

Two goals in the first nine minutes allowed Voro’s side to record only their second victory over Madrid in 15 league meetings and bring the leaders’ six-game unbeaten run in all competitions to an end.

Simone Zaza’s spectacular turn and half-volley after four minutes had the home fans on their feet, and they were sent into raptures when Fabian Orellana scored his fifth goal of the season following a clinical counter-attack soon afterwards.

Madrid began to regain some composure and Cristiano Ronaldo headed home just before the end of a breathless first half of football to give his side some hope.

Ronaldo saw a penalty appeal turned down as Madrid built some sustained pressure after half-time, but despite the visitors enjoying nearly 72 per cent of the possession, Diego Alves went largely unworried in the Valencia goal.

A surprisingly toothless attack was unable to fashion a late equaliser, meaning Madrid remain just a point above second-place Barca in the table, though they still have a game in hand. Valencia climb to 14th.