Real Madrid needed more than 45 minutes to secure a crucial victory at Mestalla

Mestalla played host to a grueling encounter this Sunday—the kind of match decided more by game management than by flair or possession. Real Madrid secured a pragmatic, if uninspired, victory, walking away with three points that carry far more weight in the La Liga standings than they do for the team's morale. For Valencia, it was another "close but no cigar" performance, ending with a chorus of boos and white handkerchiefs directed at a coaching staff under fire.

Real Madrid took the pitch looking vastly different from their usual "Galáctico" selves. Missing the creative spark of Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo Goes, Álvaro Arbeloa opted for a "terrestrial" version of the squad, anchored by muscle rather than fantasy.

The midfield trio of Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Eduardo Camavinga formed a wall of resistance. While they controlled the physical battle, the ball moved without its usual bite. Valencia, fueled by a raucous home crowd and desperate for points, pressed high from the opening whistle, though they struggled to convert that energy into genuine danger.

The first half was a stalemate of monotony. Real Madrid dominated the ball but failed to exploit it. Valencia ran and pressed, earning a few corners that offered the only semblance of a threat. The only real highlight before the break was a low, angled drive from Kylian Mbappé that Stole Dimitrievski parried away with his legs.

After the interval, the horizontal passing continued until the game finally sparked to life. The breakthrough arrived as goals often do in these cagey affairs: without warning. A brilliant individual burst from Álvaro Carreras fractured Valencia’s defense, allowing Mbappé to do what he does best. With one clinical finish, the Frenchman silenced Mestalla, providing a lead that acted as a wake-up call for the hosts. Valencia nearly responded immediately through Lucas Beltrán, who struck the post in what would be their best chance of the night.

As Valencia’s coach, Carlos Corberán, sacrificed a defender to chase the equalizer, Arbeloa seized the opportunity. The introduction of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Brahim Díaz gave Madrid the depth and pace they had lacked. In the dying minutes, Brahim led a lightning-fast transition, setting up Mbappé for his second of the night to seal the 2-0 win.

As the second goal hit the net, the atmosphere in the stands turned toxic. The fans erupted in protest, waving white handkerchiefs and chanting against Corberán. The decision to substitute Beltrán—the team's most active player—served as the final straw for the Valencia faithful.

While Real Madrid leaves with a functional win that keeps them within striking distance of FC Barcelona, Valencia leaves with the bitter taste of a "moral victory" that offers zero reward in the table. It was a night of tired football and contained emotions, but for Arbeloa, it was an exam passed.