Real Madrid Secures Comeback Victory Over Valencia Despite Controversy

Real Madrid demonstrated remarkable resilience on Friday, overcoming adversity to secure a 2-1 victory against Valencia. The match, filled with high tension and controversial moments, highlighted the determination of the 'Merengues' despite a series of setbacks.

Valencia opened the scoring in the 27th minute through Hugo Duro, who capitalized on a rebound after Thibaut Courtois parried a shot from Javi Guerra. Despite several attempts by Fede Valverde and Vinícius Jr., Madrid trailed 1-0 at halftime, largely due to the brilliance of goalkeeper Stole Dimitrevski.

Missed Penalty and Red Card Mar Madrid's Second Half

The second half began with Real Madrid increasing the intensity. However, their efforts were hampered when Jude Bellingham missed a penalty in the 54th minute, hitting the post. Moments later, Kylian Mbappé thought he had equalized, but his goal was overturned by VAR due to an offside.

The situation worsened for Madrid as Vinícius Jr. received a red card, leaving the team with ten men. Despite these challenges, Luka Modric and Bellingham turned the tide late in the game. Modric equalized in the 85th minute, and Bellingham redeemed himself with a stoppage-time winner in the 90+5th minute.

Ancelotti Speaks Out on Penalty Controversy

Post-match, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed frustration over the missed penalty, noting that it marked the team's third consecutive failure from the spot. He acknowledged that Dimitrevski's positioning could have warranted a retake but clarified that rules dictated otherwise.

"Although the goalkeeper had both feet off the line, the penalty wasn’t retaken because he didn’t touch the ball. It frustrates me to miss three penalties, and I’ll take responsibility for choosing the takers," Ancelotti stated.

He also praised Bellingham's performance, emphasizing the midfielder’s resilience. "The missed penalty motivated him further. He worked hard and supported Mbappé throughout the match," Ancelotti added.

Understanding the Penalty Rule

The debate around Bellingham's missed penalty and Dimitrevski's position brought attention to the FIFA laws of the game. According to Article 14.2:

• A penalty is only retaken if the goalkeeper's infraction directly impacts the taker.
• If the goalkeeper’s position is illegal but doesn’t influence the outcome, the penalty is not retaken unless the ball rebounds into play and affects subsequent action.

• Goals: Luka Modric (85') and Jude Bellingham (90+5') sealed the win for Real Madrid.
• Controversy: Jude Bellingham’s missed penalty and VAR-overturned Mbappé goal created tension.
• Vinícius Jr. Sent Off: Madrid played with ten men after Vinícius received a red card.
• Penalty Rules: Debate arose over whether Dimitrevski's positioning should have led to a retake.
• Ancelotti’s Concerns: The coach highlighted the need to address Madrid’s penalty-taking issues.