This is not the first time Real Madrid are failing to top Barcelona or increase their lead over their eternal rivals but this is the first time I would be vindicating them despite their failure.
A trip to Mestalla is always difficult. It seems like Valencia always up their game when they play against Real Madrid at the Mestalla. Coming from the back of beating Ajax at Netherlands, Valencia were very much in form and filled with confidence but no matter how confident you are, against this current Real Madrid, be sure to pray to mother luck to avoid making mistakes.
As hoped by Real Madrid fans and expected by many, Zidane rested Casemiro for the first match this season in order to avoid losing the Brazilian in the El Clasico. Fede Valverde was included in his place alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in midfield.
Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane both partnered each other in central defense while Dani Carvajal returned to fill the right back position and Nacho came in to fill the left back spot in the absence of Marcelo to injury and Ferland Mendy to suspension.
The attack witnessed Isco and Rodrygo flanking Karim Benzema.
Real Madrid was their typical self in the first half. Controlling proceedings and pinning Valencia at the back. The only deficiency to Real Madrid’s first half performance was goals. They outplayed Valencia in the first half but couldn’t break the defensive wall set up by Valencia. On many occasions Real Madrid tried to adopt the crossing scheme and it was closer to getting them a goal just twice in the entirety of the ninety minutes.
The second half saw Valencia grow into the game after Real Madrid appeared to be running out of ideas. Mother luck was to favor Valencia as they fund space in the 18 yard box to score in the 78th minute. That goal further dampened the morale of the Real Madrid team but they kept on. Benzema would go ahead to score the equalizer with the last kick of the game after Real Madrid goal keeper Thubiat Courtois has risen higher to head in a cross which his fellow goalie Dommech punched out for Karim to fire home.
It was a mixed feeling gotten from this match but the most important thing for Real Madrid is, they are still going into the Clasico without the fear of catching up but the confidence of getting past.
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