“From my experience, this team smells good,” Jose Mourinho told reporters after a commanding 3-0 victory at Mestalla. His Real Madrid side did exactly that, dismantling Valencia to move level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona. The team secured an eighth win in a row across all competitions, with Federico Valverde, Arda Guler, and Kylian Mbappe on the scoresheet in a performance that underlined their title credentials.
Coming off a FIFA break, Madrid put to rest any lingering doubt from their defeat to Atletico Madrid on September 20th, after which their winning run began. Since that setback, they have reeled off eight straight victories, establishing a formidable rhythm that has placed them firmly in the driver’s seat of the title race.
Mbappe's Stock Soars
- Kylian Mbappe’s Stock Soars: With his 17th goal in 16 games across all competitions, the French forward solidified his status as a must-have asset.
- Valverde’s Hybrid Role Pays Dividends: Operating in a hybrid right-back role, Valverde not only provided defensive stability but also contributed a goal and dictated the tempo from a deeper position. His 9/10 rating from Goal.com reflects his elite influence in the middle third, increasing his fantasy value in points-per-minute leagues.
- Valencia’s Defensive Woes Deepen: Conceding 18 shots and failing to register a single clear-cut chance from open play, Valencia’s defensive collapse sees their stock plummet.
The Tactical Masterclass at Mestalla
Madrid’s victory was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Mourinho’s men dominated possession, completing 627 passes while controlling 68% of the ball, according to Goal.com. Bernardo Silva, operating as the metronome in midfield, manipulated space and dictated the tempo, ensuring Madrid always had a numerical advantage in the build-up phase. This possession strategy forced Valencia into a low-block, a defensive shell that Madrid patiently probed before striking.
FT: #ValenciaRealMadrid 0-3 Three points are heading back to Madrid 😎#LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/S1TJL1eQkr
After Kylian Mbappe’s free-kick was blocked, the ball fell to Valverde. The Uruguayan, playing in an inverted role, drilled a first-time effort into the bottom corner. Guler’s second goal, which came from a deflected cross, was another example of Mourinho’s tactical instruction to push more players into the penalty area, creating overloads and chaos for the defense.
Defensive Discipline and Courtois’ Crucial Intervention
For the second time in the last three matches, the team kept a clean sheet, a point of emphasis for goalkeeping coach Nono. Thibaut Courtois was essential here. His early save, where he rose appropriately to deny Aaron Mayol after a turnover in a dangerous area, was a game-defining moment.
#ValenciaRealMadrid ⚽ 0-2 | ⌚ 63' 🔄 @skoda_es 🔛 @arnaueti_4 + Ugrinic ↩️ Maffeo + @Guido_Rodriguez pic.twitter.com/lKgGc1P1tH
“Goalkeepers need to be a bit pessimistic, because your teammate might send a bad pass, so you have to be ready at all times. The player shot well, and I managed to rise appropriately to reach the ball and clear it,” Courtois stated in remarks to Real Madrid TV.
That save preserved the 0-0 scoreline, preventing any potential shift in momentum. The Belgian’s command of the penalty area and his distribution from the back provided a reliable platform for Madrid’s build-up play, with him recording just one goal kick as the side preferred to play out from the back. The defense, led by steady Dean Huijsen, prevented Valencia from creating any scoring opportunities from open play, showing the team's discipline.
The Mbappe Factor and the Title Race Implications
Kylian Mbappe’s performance encapsulated Madrid’s current winning streak. Though caught offside five times, his persistence was eventually rewarded. He sealed the win in the 75th minute, bursting onto a fantastic pass from Arda Guler to dart past the goalkeeper and squeeze home his 13th league goal of the campaign. The goal was the product of a pre-rehearsed play, highlighting the tactical synergy within the squad.
This victory keeps the pressure squarely on Barcelona, who visit Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Madrid’s win, coupled with their earlier Clasico triumph at the Camp Nou on October 25th, has created a fascinating two-horse race for the title. The fact they have achieved this while without Vinicius Junior, who was serving the final game of a four-match ban, is a remarkable testament to Mourinho’s squad management and tactical flexibility. Madrid have thrived in his absence, putting heavy pressure on their rivals and proving they have the depth and tactical acumen to sustain a title challenge.
Already 19th in the table and just a point from safety, the 3-0 loss and Gaya’s late red card have further dented their hopes of survival. Their inability to get into the game was summed up by Jose Gaya, who told DAZN, “We tried in the second half, changed our system… but we couldn’t get into the game.” The defeat highlights a deep-seated defensive frailty that Javier Aguirre’s side must address immediately.
💬 Aguirre: “Turning the situation around is a question of hard work” 🔗 https://t.co/9qmq9F3PK5#ValenciaRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/OXqkHFS4OR
With the FIFA break now underway, Madrid have a chance to rest and regroup. Their momentum is undeniable, and the sense within the squad, as Mourinho noted, is one of calm confidence. They have not been carried away by their success but instead understand that winning is the normality required at this club.
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📽️ Aguirre: “I expect an intimidating Mestalla that spurs the team on” ➡️ The Valencia CF coach talks before the game against @realmadriden. pic.twitter.com/6BcJm7x3YT
