Real Madrid achieved an important victory over Valencia, 2-0, at the end of the 17th stage matches of the Spanish Football League, and maintained its position in the runner-up, 5 points away from leaders Barcelona.
Real Madrid players failed to score a goal in the first half, despite the many opportunities that were available to the team, while Valencia kept a clean sheet in its quest to achieve only its second victory in the last 10 matches in La Liga and to move away from the relegation zone.
Valencia played his first match against Real Madrid after the departure of his Italian coach, Gennaro Gattuso.
The royal club's troubles increased in the first half after the forced exit of defender Eder Militao, and the team seemed on its way to stumbling in the second consecutive match after its goalless draw in the last stage against Real Sociedad.
🚀 Marco Asensio's missile strikes Valencia # La Liga #
LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/vV5ybl9Cn3
- beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) February 2, 2023
However, the situation changed in the second half, when Real Madrid managed to score two goals within two minutes through Marco Asensio and Vinicius Junior in the 52nd and 54th minutes.
Valencia's task to return to the match was complicated after defender Gabriel Paulista was sent off in the 72nd minute due to a violent tackle on Vinicius.
The match witnessed the exit of the royal club captain, Karim Benzema, in the 60th minute, and he appeared affected by an injury, which raises doubts about his presence in the upcoming matches that will see Real Madrid travel to Morocco to compete in the Club World Cup, and face Liverpool in the Champions League final price.
With its victory against Valencia, Real Madrid raised its score to 45 points, 5 points ahead of Barcelona, ​​and Valencia's balance froze at 20 points in 14th place.