Real Madrid produced a remarkable late turnaround to secure a 2-1 win over Valencia, with Jude Bellingham scoring the winner.
Despite being reduced to 10 players after Vinicius Junior's red card, Real Madrid's persistence paid off as they overturned a first-half deficit in dramatic fashion.
Valencia started the match brilliantly and took the lead in the 27th minute.
Thierry Correa found space on the right flank and passed the ball to Javi Guerra, whose first shot was blocked by Thibaut Courtois.
Hugo Duro reacted quickest and slotted the rebound into the net, giving the hosts a deserved 1-0 lead.
Carlo Ancelotti's Madrid struggled to impose themselves early on, with Valencia looking more dangerous on the break.
The visitors had their best chance of the first half when Federico Valverde fired a powerful shot straight past Valencia goalkeeper Stoj Dimitrievski.
🏁 @valenciacf_en 1-2 @real madrid
⚽ 27′ Hugo Doro
⚽ 85′ @Lukamodric10
⚽ 90'+5' @bellinghamgood#Valencia_Real_Madrid | @The UAE pic.twitter.com/rOkM4NtxKq– Real Madrid FC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 3, 2025
Despite their possession, Real Madrid lacked effectiveness in the final third and continued to go on the break late.
Los Blancos came out with more intent in the second half, but their frustrations increased as chances begged.
The penalty awarded in the 53rd minute was a lifeline when Kylian Mbappe was brought down inside the box. However, Bellingham's penalty kick hit the post, allowing Valencia to go wide.
Real Madrid's task became more difficult in the 79th minute when Vinicius Junior was sent off after a VAR review.
The Brazilian clashed with Dimitrievsky and pushed the goalkeeper in the face after a heated verbal argument. After reducing the number of players to 10 men, Real Madrid seemed to be running out of time and ideas.
Despite being one player down, Real Madrid equalized in the 85th minute. Jude Bellingham, who played a key role throughout the match, passed a lobbed through ball to Luka Modric.
The Croatian substitute entered the penalty area and passed the ball past Dimitrievski to make the score 1-1.
The goal revitalized Real Madrid, and Valencia, who had stayed behind for most of the second half, found themselves under enormous pressure in the final minutes.
While the game seemed headed for a draw, Bellingham took advantage of a defensive error in the fifth minute of extra time.
A back pass from Hugo Guillamon left Dimitrievskiy stranded, and Bellingham raced to the ball before calmly slotting it into the bottom corner.
The Mestalla fell silent as the teenager celebrated the winning goal.
