Real Madrid beat Valencia 3-0 to draw level with La Liga leaders Barcelona

Real Madrid achieved a significant milestone in La Liga by leveling on points with current leaders Barcelona, following a resounding 3-0 victory over struggling Valencia. Captain Federico Valverde broke the deadlock in the 28th minute with a well-placed shot after Kylian Mbappe’s initial free-kick ricocheted off the Valencia wall.

Just eight minutes later, Arda Guler doubled Real Madrid's lead with a deft volley after Jude Bellingham's clever pass was deflected into his path. Despite maintaining their dominance in the second half, the win became emphatic when Guler assisted Mbappe, who completed his 13th league goal of the season by rounding the Valencia goalkeeper.

Valencia's situation worsened further when their captain, Jose Gaya, was dismissed for a reckless tackle on Mbappe, who was on course to score his third league goal of the match. A run of four consecutive league victories means Real Madrid is now only separated from Barcelona by goal difference, though Barcelona can regain a three-point lead when they face third-placed Atletico Madrid on Sunday (20:00 GMT).

Valencia, however, remain in the relegation zone, having suffered their seventh defeat from 12 league games, sitting 19th – a point away from safety. The match was momentarily halted nine minutes in the first half for a moment of silence and applause to honor Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who tragically lost his life after suffering a serious injury during a Spanish second-division match.