Real Madrid moved level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona after a comfortable victory over struggling Valencia, with the result extending their winning run in the league to four matches.
Federico Valverde put the visitors ahead in the 28th minute. Kylian Mbappe’s free-kick struck the wall and fell to Real Madrid’s captain, who sent a low, powerful shot into the net from 20 yards.
Real doubled their lead eight minutes later when Arda Guler finished from close range. Jude Bellingham’s cutback took a favourable deflection and Guler reacted quickly to volley home from six yards.
Valencia were unable to mount a response after the interval as Jose Mourinho’s side continued to control the match. The points were secured with 15 minutes remaining when Guler played in Mbappe, who went around the goalkeeper before scoring his 13th league goal of the campaign.
Valencia’s evening then deteriorated further when captain Jose Gaya was dismissed. He was shown a red card for bringing down Mbappe as the Real Madrid forward was preparing to break clear towards goal.
The victory leaves Real Madrid level on points with Barcelona, with only goal difference separating them from the top of La Liga. Barcelona can regain a three-point advantage when they face third-placed Atletico Madrid on Sunday at 20:00 GMT.
Valencia remain 19th in the table, one point from safety. The defeat was their seventh in 12 league matches.
Tribute to Jesus de Miguel
The match was stopped after nine minutes of the first half so players and supporters could honour Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel.
A minute’s applause was held in tribute to De Miguel, who died after suffering a serious injury during a Spanish second-division match.
