Top scorer in the Copa del Rey, Endrick enters the field and stirs up Real Madrid’s attack against Valencia at the Santiago Bernabéu

7️⃣ pic.twitter.com/epvOhFBL7M

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 5, 2025

Key moments shaping the game

The second half has unfolded as a back-and-forth affair, with both sides trading blows. Valencia, despite lower possession, threatened early in the period. At the 7-minute mark, Javi Guerra unleashed a shot from the edge of the box, sailing just over the bar defended by Fran González, Real Madrid’s stand-in goalkeeper. The home side countered with flair—at the 16-minute mark, Rodrygo met a pinpoint Vini Jr. cross with a header, only for it to drift narrowly wide, drawing gasps from the stands.

A golden chance came at the 25-minute mark when Valverde nearly put Real ahead. Modric fed Mbappé, who squared the ball low into the box, and the Uruguayan’s toe-poke was brilliantly denied by Mamardashvili’s outstretched hand. The Valencia goalkeeper has emerged as a wall, thwarting Real’s advances repeatedly. With the clock at 40 minutes, the score holds at 1-1, but the intensity suggests more twists are imminent as the final whistle approaches.

• 9’ (1st half): Mbappé wins a penalty; Vini Jr.’s shot is saved by Mamardashvili.
• 14’ (1st half): Diakhaby heads Valencia into the lead from a corner.
• 4’ (2nd half): Vini Jr. equalizes for Real Madrid after Bellingham’s assist.
• 25’ (2nd half): Valverde’s effort is stopped by Mamardashvili’s heroics.
• 32’ (2nd half): Endrick’s header off a Bellingham cross goes off target.

Real Madrid’s dominance meets Valencia’s resolve

Boasting 68% possession in the first half and averaging seven shots on goal, Real Madrid has dictated the tempo throughout. Ancelotti’s men rely on the width provided by Vini Jr. and Rodrygo, with Mbappé serving as the focal point up top. At the 34-minute mark of the second half, the Frenchman fired a shot from the edge of the area, but it ballooned over the bar, underscoring Real’s struggle to find the finishing touch. Güler’s entry at the 39-minute mark, replacing Lucas Vázquez, aims to spark creativity in the final third.

Valencia, languishing in 16th place with 31 points, adopts a more pragmatic approach, prioritizing defense while eyeing counterattacking opportunities. Their backline, led by Diakhaby and Tárrega, has weathered Real’s storm, with Mamardashvili shining between the posts. At the 19-minute mark, Tárrega nearly scored an own goal from a cross, but Fran González reacted swiftly to keep the score level. For Valencia, a draw away at the Bernabeu would be a significant boost in their fight to climb the table.

Tactical shifts through substitutions

Ancelotti’s second-half adjustments have reshaped Real Madrid’s dynamic. At the 31-minute mark, Endrick, Alaba, and Camavinga entered, replacing Modric, Vini Jr., and Fran García, respectively. Endrick’s flair and Alaba’s composure on the ball have opened new avenues, while Camavinga’s tenacity allows Bellingham to push forward, as seen in the equalizer. These changes reflect Ancelotti’s intent to overwhelm Valencia with fresh legs and tactical flexibility.

Valencia responded with their own tweaks. At the 28-minute mark, Duro, Fran Pérez, and Pepelu came on for Aarons, André Almeida, and Javi Guerra, revitalizing their attack and midfield. Earlier, at the 13-minute mark, Rafa Mir replaced Umar Sadiq, who had picked up a yellow card at the start of the half. These moves signal Valencia’s strategy to maintain defensive solidity while retaining a threat on the break, keeping Real Madrid on their toes.

Defining plays of the match

With 40 minutes gone in the second half, the game hangs in the balance, shaped by critical moments that highlight its competitiveness. Below are the standout plays that have defined the contest so far:

• At 9 minutes in the 1st half, Vini Jr. fluffs a penalty, keeping the score at 0-0.
• At 14 minutes in the 1st half, Diakhaby’s header gives Valencia the lead.
• At 4 minutes in the 2nd half, Vini Jr. nets the equalizer from close range.
• At 16 minutes in the 2nd half, Rodrygo’s header off a Vini Jr. cross goes wide.
• At 25 minutes in the 2nd half, Mamardashvili denies Valverde’s close-range shot.
• At 34 minutes in the 2nd half, Mbappé skies a shot from the box’s edge.

La Liga context and schedule

This clash fits into a pivotal La Liga weekend. With Barcelona atop the standings, Real Madrid, second with 63 points, cannot afford a slip-up in their title pursuit. Valencia, in 16th with 31 points, battles to distance itself from the relegation zone in a season of inconsistency. Key fixtures in the round include:

• Barcelona’s match later today, a chance to respond to Real’s result.
• Atlético Madrid, in third, also playing this weekend, eyeing the top spots.
• Real Madrid’s recent 4-4 Copa del Rey draw with Real Sociedad, hinting at fatigue.
• Valencia’s win in their last league outing, boosting morale under Corberán.

Standout performers on the pitch

Vini Jr. remains the game’s central figure. After his penalty miss, his second-half strike showcased his resilience, and he continues to torment Valencia down the left. Mbappé, despite squandering chances, drives Real’s attack with his pace and skill, nearly breaking the deadlock multiple times. Endrick’s cameo has added a new dimension, with his movement and near-miss header signaling his potential.

For Valencia, Mamardashvili steals the spotlight with a string of vital saves, keeping his team in contention. Diakhaby’s goal and defensive work anchor the backline, while Javi Guerra and Rafa Mir stretch Real’s defense on the counter. The clash pits Real’s star-studded offense against Valencia’s gritty resolve, fueling the match’s drama.

Match hangs in the balance at 40 minutes

At the 40-minute mark of the second half, Real Madrid sustains its attacking onslaught, yet Valencia holds firm. The last clear chance came at the 38-minute mark, when Alaba’s low cross zipped through the box without a finish. Real has notched seven shots in the second half, five on target, compared to Valencia’s two attempts. The Bernabeu roars as the clock winds down, sensing a potential game-changer.

Valencia clings to its defensive shape, hoping to pounce on the break. At the 39-minute mark, Rafa Mir latched onto a long ball but was halted by Rudiger’s timely block. With both sides out of substitutions, the outcome rests on precision in the final moments. Real Madrid chases three points to keep pace with Barcelona, while Valencia digs in for a hard-fought draw.

Stats driving the narrative

The numbers underline Real Madrid’s control and Valencia’s defiance. By the 40-minute mark, Real holds 65% possession against Valencia’s 35%. The home side has fired off 14 shots, five on target, while Valencia manages six, two threatening. Corner kicks favor Real at 7-3. Only one yellow card—Umar Sadiq’s at the second half’s start—has been shown, aligning with Real’s 1.4 and Valencia’s 0.2 seasonal averages for cautions and expulsions, respectively.