Overview
- Real Madrid opened a seven‑point gap at the top of La Liga, with Barcelona able to trim it on Sunday against Elche, while Valencia sit 18th after a sixth straight league match without a win.
- Kylian Mbappé scored twice, with Jude Bellingham and Álvaro Carreras adding goals, as Madrid controlled the match at the Santiago Bernabéu.
- The opener came from a VAR‑confirmed handball on César Tárrega after an Éder Militão header, and Mbappé converted from the spot.
- Madrid earned a second penalty before halftime but Julen Agirrezabala saved Vinícius Júnior’s effort, moments before Bellingham struck from distance.
- Xabi Alonso noted a midweek meeting settled the recent Vinícius issue, and Madrid managed ongoing absences for Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger and suspended goalkeeper Andriy Lunin ahead of the Liverpool trip.