Key Highlights
Real Madrid produced a comprehensive victory at the Mestalla, winning by three goals to nil in front of more than 47,000 people, with Arda Güler named player of the match after a commanding display.
First Half
Valencia began with a five three two shape led by José Gayà as captain and Umar Sadiq up front, a formation that invited Real Madrid to probe through the middle and from the wide three behind the striker. Real Madrid, set up in a four two three one with Federico Valverde as captain, took control early and clearly carried the attacking momentum before the interval. By the time Federico Valverde converted from a set piece in the 28th minute his side had already overwhelmed Valencia in possession and build up, and Arda Güler added a second in the 36th minute during Real Madrid's clearest spell of the half. The statistics underlined the one-sided nature of the period: Real Madrid recorded roughly three quarters of the ball and far more chances and accurate passes than Valencia, who committed more fouls as they struggled to disrupt the visitors. Stole Dimitrievski made several routine saves to keep the score down, but at half time Real Madrid led by two goals to nil.
Second Half
Real Madrid resumed control after the interval, carrying the greater attacking momentum again and creating the bulk of the second-half chances. Valencia made two early changes with Luis Rioja coming on at the break and Aimar Blázquez later, but that reshuffle did little to stem Real Madrid's pressure. Kylian Mbappé completed the scoring in the 75th minute with a low finish from a move created by Arda Güler, and within minutes Valencia were reduced to ten men when José Gayà received a red card in the 79th minute. Valencia produced their clearest spell around the same time but it yielded nothing, and Real Madrid continued to fashion opportunities before the final whistle. The game ended with Real Madrid winning by three goals to nil.
Closing Thoughts
The result leaves Valencia entrenched in the relegation places, still searching for form under Javier Aguirre and carrying only nine points from eleven matches as they travel to Rayo Vallecano next. For Real Madrid the win, their fifth league victory in a row under José Mourinho, reinforces a charge up the table and gives them momentum as they return to the Bernabéu to face Celta Vigo next on November 22.
