Seven in a Row: Real Madrid Grind Out 2-0 Win at Valencia to Keep Pressure on Barcelona.

Valencia 0-2 Real Madrid: Goals and Highlights - LaLiga EA Sports 25/26

                            Carreras and Mbappé Break Valencia’s Resistance as Real Madrid Win 2-0 at Mestalla.                    Real Madrid delivered a professional and composed performance to claim a vital 2-0 victory over Valencia at the Estadio Mestalla on 8 February 2026, in Matchday 23 of LaLiga EA Sports 2025/26.

It was Los Blancos’ seventh consecutive league win, cutting the gap to leaders Barcelona to just one point. Álvaro Carreras provided the breakthrough in the 65th minute with a moment of individual brilliance, dribbling past defenders before finishing low.

Kylian Mbappé then sealed the three points with a clinical finish in stoppage time (90+1'), set up by Brahim Díaz. The result showed Madrid’s resilience and defensive solidity, and their ability to grind out wins even when their attacking fluency is limited.

Madrid Win at Mestalla

Valencia, 16th in the table and just one point above the relegation zone, put up a valiant fight. They arrived with decent home form (17 points from 11 games) and recent wins over Getafe and Espanyol, but could not turn pressure into goals against a side with the league’s second-best away record. Goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski made several key saves, yet a lack of cutting edge proved costly. In front of 47,515 fans under the floodlights, the match was tense and tactical. Madrid controlled possession (58%) but faced a compact Valencia block until the second-half breakthroughs.
Why This Result Matters in the LaLiga Title Race.

Victories like this are often what separate title contenders from the rest. Real Madrid were far from their fluent best at the Mestalla, yet they still found a way to collect all three points, and that ability to win on an off night is exactly what a long LaLiga campaign demands.

A seventh straight league win also builds momentum at a congested point in the calendar, with Real Sociedad and a Champions League tie against Benfica following soon after. For Valencia, the picture is more worrying. Their home resilience kept the contest tight for an hour, but a lack of cutting edge left them just one point above the relegation zone. Both sides will take different lessons from the evening: Madrid know they can grind out results, while Valencia know they must turn pressure into goals if they are to survive.

Pre-Match Context

Real Madrid arrived after a week of focused preparation following their Copa del Rey round-of-16 exit. Their previous league outing was a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano, and they had won their prior six LaLiga matches against strong opposition, including Sevilla, Real Betis and Villarreal. Fixtures against Real Sociedad (14 February) and Benfica in the Champions League (17 February) were waiting.

Valencia were in survival mode. A 2-1 loss to Real Betis in early February underlined their struggles, although their home form offered optimism. Their pragmatic plan was to frustrate Madrid and hit on the counter, but that was a tough task against an in-form side.

Match Overview

The game unfolded in two distinct halves. The first was cagey and low on quality, with both sides prioritising structure over risk. Valencia sat deep and limited space for Mbappé and Arda Güler. Madrid dominated possession but created few clear chances, with Dimitrievski saving Mbappé’s long-range effort.

After the interval, Madrid raised their intensity. Carreras’ 65th-minute goal shifted the momentum: he collected the ball from Dean Huijsen, evaded two challenges and finished low into the bottom corner. Valencia pushed for an equaliser but left gaps, and Mbappé exploited them late after Brahim’s assist to end any hopes of a comeback.

Full Scorecard and Key Stats

Final score Valencia 0-2 Real Madrid
Venue Estadio Mestalla, Valencia
Date 8 February 2026
Attendance 47,515
Referee Javier Alberola Rojas

StatValenciaReal MadridPossession 42% 58%
Shots (on target) 8 (3) 14 (6)
Corners 4 7
Fouls 12 9
Yellow cards 2 1

Goals

65' Álvaro Carreras (Real Madrid), assisted by Dean Huijsen
90+1' Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), assisted by Brahim Díaz

Valencia XI (4-2-3-1): Dimitrievski; Nuñez, Cömert, Copete, Gayà (c); Pepelu, Ugrinic; L. Rioja, Danjuma, Beltrán; Hugo Duro.

Real Madrid XI (4-3-3): Courtois; D. Jiménez, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Arda Güler, Mbappé, Gonzalo.

Detailed Commentary and Highlights
First Half: A Tactical Chess Match (0-0)
Hugo Duro won an early free-kick, but Valencia could not capitalise.
Madrid probed through Güler and Mbappé, but Gayà and Cömert blocked the shots.
23': Dimitrievski saved Mbappé’s long-range effort to keep the game level. 

Danjuma threatened on the counter for Valencia, but Courtois was largely untroubled.

Half-time: 0-0. Madrid had the ball but lacked penetration, while Valencia defended stoutly.

Second Half: Madrid’s Quality Shines Through
Madrid raised the tempo, with Carreras and Camavinga driving forward.
65': Huijsen’s pass found Carreras on the left. The full-back cut inside, beat two defenders and fired a right-footed shot into the bottom corner (0-1).
Valencia responded with substitutions and pushed for an equaliser, but Asencio and Huijsen held firm.

Mastantuono missed a late chance, but Madrid remained dangerous on the break.
90+1': Brahim Díaz threaded a pass and an unmarked Mbappé slotted calmly past Dimitrievski for 0-2.

Goal Highlights

Carreras’ opener (65'): A dribble past two challenges and a low finish, rewarding Madrid’s adventure in a flat game.

Mbappé’s sealer (90+1'): A composed strike after a quick transition, showing Madrid’s clinical edge in tight matches.

Player Ratings and Standout Performances
Álvaro Carreras (Real Madrid): 9/10. Match-winner with a goal, plenty of energy and defensive fight.

Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): 8.5/10. Quiet early, decisive late, with a goal reported as his 38th in all competitions this season.

Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid): 8/10. An assist and real composure at the back.
Stole Dimitrievski (Valencia): 7.5/10. Fine saves kept the scoreline respectable.
Hugo Duro and Gayà (Valencia): Battled hard but were often isolated.

Madrid’s midfield trio of Tchouameni, Camavinga and Valverde controlled the tempo, while Valencia’s effort was admirable but lacked spark.

Post-Match Analysis

Real Madrid’s win was built on patience, defensive resolve and moments of quality from an unlikely source in Carreras. It was not their most fluent display, but grinding out results on the road against motivated hosts is the stuff of title-winning seasons. The victory keeps the pressure on Barcelona and boosts morale ahead of key fixtures.

Valencia’s fight was admirable, but defensive lapses and the lack of a clinical edge cost them. They remain in the relegation scrap and need points soon. Overall, the result reinforces Madrid’s credentials in a tight race, with depth, mentality and star power proving decisive. Valencia 0-2 Real Madrid: Goals and Highlights - LaLiga EA Sports 25/26

                    Real Madrid delivered a professional and composed performance to claim a vital 2-0 victory over Valencia at the iconic Mestalla Stadium on February 8, 2026, in Matchday 23 of LaLiga EA Sports 2025/26.

            The win marked Los Blancos' seventh consecutive league triumph, keeping them hot on the heels of leaders Barcelona by reducing the gap to just one point (pending Barca's result against Mallorca earlier). Álvaro Carreras provided the breakthrough with a moment of individual brilliance in the 65th minute, dribbling past defenders before slotting home, while Kylian Mbappé sealed the three points with a clinical finish in stoppage time (90+1'), assisted by Brahim Díaz.

This result showcased Real Madrid's resilience, defensive solidity, and ability to grind out wins even on a night when their attacking fluency was limited.

Madrid wins at Mestalla

Valencia, battling in 16th place and just one point above the relegation zone, put up a valiant fight under difficult circumstances. Despite recent home resilience (17 points from 11 games) and wins over Getafe and Espanyol, they couldn't convert pressure into goals against a Madrid side boasting the league's second-best away record. The hosts' Stole Dimitrievski made several key saves, but errors and a lack of cutting edge proved costly. The match, attended by 47,515 fans under floodlights, was tense and tactical, with Real Madrid controlling possession (58%) but facing a compact Valencia block until the second-half breakthroughs.

Pre-Match Context

Real Madrid arrived after a week of focused preparation following their Copa del Rey round-of-16 exit. Their last league outing was a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano, maintaining second place. Carlo Ancelotti's men had won their prior six LaLiga matches against strong sides like Sevilla, Real Betis, and Villarreal, showcasing depth amid a congested schedule—including upcoming clashes with Real Sociedad (February 14) and Benfica in the Champions League (February 17).

Valencia, meanwhile, were in survival mode. A 2-1 loss to Real Betis in early February highlighted ongoing struggles, though home form offered optimism. Coach's pragmatic approach aimed to frustrate Madrid and hit on counters, but facing an in-form giant proved challenging.

General view mestalla stadium in hi-res stock photography and ...

Match Overview

The game unfolded in two distinct halves. The first was cagey, low on quality, with both sides prioritizing structure over risk. Valencia sat deep, limiting space for Madrid's stars like Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior (noted absences/injuries for some like Bellingham/Vinícius in reports, but key players featured). Real Madrid dominated possession but created few clear chances, with Dimitrievski saving Mbappé's effort.

Post-interval, Madrid increased intensity. Carreras' 65th-minute solo goal—collecting from Dean Huijsen, evading challenges, and finishing low—shifted momentum. Valencia pushed but left gaps, exploited late by Mbappé's composed strike after Brahim's assist, ensuring no comeback.

Valencia 0-2 Real Madrid (Feb 8, 2026) Game Analysis - ESPN

This victory extended Madrid's unbeaten LaLiga run in 2026 and highlighted tactical maturity on a tough Mestalla pitch.

Full Scorecard and Key Stats

Final Score: Valencia 0-2 Real Madrid Venue: Estadio Mestalla, Valencia Date: February 8, 2026 Attendance: 47,515 Referee: Javier Alberola Rojas

Valencia XI (approx. 4-2-3-1): Dimitrievski; Nuñez (Thierry R. 72'), Cömert, Copete, Gayà (c); Pepelu (G. Rodríguez 72'), Ugrinic (Javi Guerra 82'); L. Rioja (Ramazani 82'), Danjuma, Beltrán (Sadiq 82'); Hugo Duro.

Real Madrid XI (approx. 4-3-3): Courtois; D. Jiménez (Trent 76'), Asencio, Huijsen, Á. Carreras; Valverde (Cestero 92'), Tchouameni, Camavinga; Arda Güler (Mastantuono 82'), Mbappé, Gonzalo (Brahim 76').

Goals:
65' Álvaro Carreras (Real Madrid) – Assisted by Dean Huijsen (right-footed from center, bottom left corner after dribble).

90+1' Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – Assisted by Brahim Díaz (right-footed into bottom right, clinical finish).

Key Stats:
Possession: Valencia 42% – Real Madrid 58%
Shots (on target): Valencia 8 (3) – Real Madrid 14 (6)
Corners: Valencia 4 – Real Madrid 7
Fouls: Valencia 12 – Real Madrid 9
Yellow Cards: Valencia 2 (e.g., Copete 88') – Real Madrid 1 (Carreras 69')
Detailed Commentary and Highlights
First Half: A Tactical Chess Match (0-0)
Early minutes saw Hugo Duro win a free-kick, but Valencia couldn't capitalize.
Madrid probed with Arda Güler and Mbappé linking, but Gayà and Cömert blocked shots.
23': Mbappé's long-range effort saved by Dimitrievski—key moment to keep it level.
Valencia countered sporadically, with Danjuma threatening, but Courtois untroubled.
Halftime: 0-0. Madrid had more ball but lacked penetration; Valencia defended stoutly.

Mbappé scores again as Madrid beats Valencia in La Liga. Girona's ...

Second Half: Madrid's Quality Shines Through
Madrid upped tempo; Carreras and Camavinga drove forward.

65': Breakthrough! Huijsen's pass found Carreras on the left. The full-back cut inside, beat two defenders, and rifled a right-footed shot through legs into the bottom corner—pure individual class (0-1).

Valencia responded with subs, pushing for an equalizer, but Asencio and Rüdiger (defensive solidity noted) held firm.

Late chances: Mastantuono missed, but Madrid countered lethally.

90+1': Brahim Díaz threaded a pass; Mbappé, unmarked in the box, slotted calmly past Dimitrievski for 0-2—his season tally rising impressively.

Valencia 0-2 Real Madrid: Arbeloa's side keep the pressure on ...

Goal Highlights Breakdown:
Carreras' Opener (65'): Dribble past challenges, deflection-assisted finish—reward for adventure in a flat game.

Mbappé's Sealer (90+1'): Composed strike after quick transition—clinical edge in tight matches.

Player Ratings and Standout Performances
Álvaro Carreras (Real Madrid) – 9/10: Match-winner with goal and energy; defensive fight too.

Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – 8.5/10: Quiet early, decisive late—his 38th goal (all comps) crucial.

Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid) – 8/10: Assist and composure at back.

Stole Dimitrievski (Valencia) – 7.5/10: Great saves kept score respectable.

Hugo Duro & Gayà (Valencia) – Battled hard but isolated.

Madrid's midfield (Tchouameni, Camavinga, Valverde) controlled tempo; Valencia's effort valiant but lacking spark.

Valencia 0-2 Real Madrid Highlights, La Liga: Kylian Mbappe ...

Post-Match Analysis

Real Madrid's win was built on patience, defensive resolve, and moments of quality from unlikely sources like Carreras. It wasn't their most fluent display, but grinding out results on the road against motivated hosts is title-winning stuff. The victory keeps pressure on Barcelona and boosts morale ahead of key fixtures.

Valencia's fight was admirable, but defensive lapses and no clinical edge cost them. They remain in relegation scrap, needing points soon.

This result reinforces Madrid's credentials in a tight race—depth, mentality, and star power proving decisive.

Real Madrid beat Valencia to keep pressure on Barcelona.

FAQ Section

Q1. What was the final score in Valencia vs Real Madrid?
Real Madrid won 2-0 at the Mestalla on 8 February 2026.

Q2. Who scored the goals?
Álvaro Carreras scored in the 65th minute and Kylian Mbappé added a second in stoppage time (90+1').

Q3. Who assisted the goals?
Dean Huijsen assisted Carreras, and Brahim Díaz set up Mbappé.

Q4. Where does the result leave Real Madrid in the title race?
It was their seventh consecutive league win and left them one point behind leaders Barcelona.

Q5. Where are Valencia in the LaLiga table?
Valencia were 16th, just one point above the relegation zone.

Q6. What was the attendance and who was the referee?
The attendance was 47,515 and the referee was Javier Alberola Rojas.

Q7. Who was Real Madrid’s best player against Valencia?
Álvaro Carreras, rated 9/10 for his goal and all-round performance.

Q8. What are Real Madrid’s next fixtures?
Real Sociedad in LaLiga on 14 February, then Benfica in the Champions League on 17 February.

Kylian Mbappé