Real Madrid Prove Too Strong for Wasteful Valencia

In a one-sided affair at the Mestalla, Real Madrid comfortably dispatched Valencia 2-0 to maintain their pursuit of the La Liga title. The visitors dominated possession, registering 60% of the ball, and created the better chances, taking 11 shots compared to Valencia's 7.

The decisive moment came in the 65th minute when Álvaro Carreras slotted home the opener, assisted by debutant Daniel Huijsen. Real Madrid's high-pressing game plan paid dividends, as they won the ball high up the pitch to set up the chance. Valencia's passive defensive shape allowed Real Madrid's midfielders to dictate the tempo and pick their passes.

While Valencia had more shots off target (5 vs 4), they struggled to test Thibaut Courtois in the Real Madrid goal, managing just 0 shots on target compared to the visitors' 6. Tactically, Gennaro Gattuso's men failed to effectively counter Real Madrid's press, often giving the ball away cheaply. Their expected goals of 0.44 compared to Real Madrid's 0.96 underscores their lack of cutting edge in the final third.

Kylian Mbappé wrapped up the win for Real Madrid in the 90th minute, expertly finishing off a counter-attacking move. Ancelotti's side demonstrated their clinical edge, scoring with 2 of their 6 shots on target, while Valencia's profligacy proved costly.