Valencia 1-2 Real Madrid: Player Ratings as 10-man Los Blancos snatch late victory at the Mestalla
Real Madrid came from a goal down and a man down to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in their first game of 2025. The Spanish champions showed their Pedigree against a stubborn Valencia side to take all three points home and move to the top of the LaLiga table.
Valencia opened the scoring in the 27th minute through Hugo Duro after he reacted first to a parried Javier Guerra effort and held their lead into the break. After Kylian Mbappe was brought down in the box by Cesar Tarrega, Los Blancos had the chance to equalize in the 55th minute from the penalty spot but Jude Bellingham missed the spot kick.
Things went from bad to worse in the 80th minute when Vinicius Junior was sent off after a red mist descended on him and he pushed Valencia keeper Stole Dimitrievski. However, following their biggest setback in the game, Real Madrid began their miracle comeback with Luka Modric after Bellingham set him up to equalize in the 85th minute. Bellingham saved the finest salvo for the dying embers of the game after capitalizing on a Hugo Guillamon error to secure all three points in the fifth minute of added time.
Real Madrid player ratings
Thibaut Courtois - 6.5/10
The Belgian keeper had a fine game for Los Blancos, making four saves. However, he made a mistake that led to the Valencia goal.
Lucas Vazquez - 7/10
The Spaniard had a solid game for Real Madrid. He completed 93% of his 55 passes and made seven recoveries in the match.
Antonio Rudiger- 7/10
The former Chelsea defender had an impressive opening game of 2025 for the visitors at the Mestalla. He completed 94% of his 64 passes and made six recoveries.
Aurelien Tchoumeni- 7/10
The French midfielder was solid in the heart of defense alongside Antonio Rudiger. He won ⅞ duels and made six recoveries.
Ferland Mendy- 7/10
The former Olympique Lyon defender was impressive for Real Madrid at left-back. He won the two duels he entered and made four recoveries.
Federico Valverde-7/10
The Uruguayan international was dependable as always in the middle of the park. He completed 93% of his 68 passes, creating one chance.
Daniel Ceballos -7/10
The former Real Betis star was solid alongside Valverde in the game for Real Madrid. He completed the most passes (32) in the game.
Jude Bellingham- 9/10
Hey Jude! Hail Jude!! Jude Bellingham had an absolute blockbuster game for Los Blancos with operatic highs and lows at the Mestalla. He missed a penalty, provided an assist, and bagged the late winner in a fabulous performance.
Kylian Mbappe-7/10
The Paris Saint-Germain legend was decent for Los Blancos at the Mestalla. He won a penalty but failed to register a shot in the game.
Rodrygo- 7/10
The Brazilian had a decent game for the visitors today. He completed 92% of his 37 passes and created two chances before withdrawing.
Vinicius Junior- 5/10
The Ballon d’Or runner-up let his teammates down in the match when he let his emotions get the better of him which led to his sending off.
Real Madrid Substitutes
Eduardo Camavinga - 7/10
The former Rennes midfielder was impressive for Los Blancos following his introduction to the game. He completed 24/25 passes.
Brahim Diaz - 6.5/10
The Moroccan star came on for the side and put in a solid shift for the UEFA Champions League holders. He completed 12/13 passes.
Luka Modric- 8/10
The Real Madrid legend had a transformative impact on the game. He scored the equalizer after just five minutes on the pitch to push his side to eventually claim victory.
Raul Asencio- NA
The young defender came on late and did not have enough time to affect the game.
