Mbappe’s Late Strike Keeps Madrid Right Behind Barcelona.

Kylian Mbappe struck in stoppage time to secure a seventh straight La Liga win for Real
Madrid, a result that keeps them just one point behind leaders Barcelona.
Madrid had dominated possession but found Valencia difficult to break down for long
periods.
Their resistance was finally breached midway through the second half when Alvaro
Carreras forced his way past two defenders and finished low to give the visitors the
lead.
Despite missing Vinicius Junior through suspension and Jude Bellingham through injury,
Madrid continued to push.
Arda Guler went close with a deflected effort, while Valencia goalkeeper Stole
Dimitrievski denied Mbappe and later produced another strong save to keep out a first-
time strike.
Valencia threatened at the other end through Arnaut Danjuma, whose effort was
deflected wide, and Lucas Beltran, who later struck the outside of the post after
Carreras’ opener.
Just as the points looked set to be shared, Mbappe met a low cross in second-half
stoppage time to seal victory and take his season tally to 38 goals.
The win ensured Madrid matched Barcelona’s result over the weekend to remain firmly
in the title race.
Valencia stay 17 th in the table, only one point above the relegation zone and having
played a game more than the sides below them.