Mbappé scores as Real Madrid beat Valencia to close in on La Liga leaders Barcelona

Real Madrid moved within one point of La Liga leaders Barcelona with a 2-0 win over Valencia on Sunday after second-half goals from Alvaro Carreras and Kylian Mbappe made for a largely uneventful match.

Real dominated possession but found it difficult to create chances, with Valencia keeper Stole Dimitrievski rarely taking action as the away side struggled to turn control into a threat.

It took Real until the 65th minute to break the deadlock through Carreras before Mbappé took the points in stoppage time.

Barcelona top the table with 58 points, with Real second with 57. Valencia are 17th, one point above the relegation zone.

Mbappe offered the main exit with sporadic drains on the left, but the free openings were limited.

Real coach Alvaro Arbeloa had to improvise and missed the suspended winger Vinicius Jr and the injured trio Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Eder Militao.

The absences opened the door for academy players Raul Asensio, David Jimenez and Gonzalo Garcia to start, with Mbappe providing the only spark for an uninspiring Real side.

The deadlock was broken through a fortunate turn of events through full-back Carreras.

Carreras made an ambitious run into the penalty area and was dispossessed by Valencia’s defenders, but the attempted clearance deflected off him and happened to fall at his feet.

The 22-year-old reacted quickest and fired a low shot into the bottom left corner.

Valencia offered little response and Real sealed the points in extra time. Substitute Brahim ‍Diaz launched a counter-attack down the left and slid a low cross into the area for Mbappé, who finished from close range for the first time.

It was the French striker’s 23rd league goal, putting him eight goals clear at the top of the scoring charts.

“Playing for Valencia is always like going to the dentist,” Arbeloa told reporters. «We knew how difficult the match would be, how demanding they would be. It was a very serious and committed match. I’m happy.»

«We can certainly improve our game in terms of brilliance. We have a lot of room for improvement. But a team is built on solidity and dedication. (Thibaut) Courtois did not make a single save today. Dedication, dedication, sacrifice. Madrid demonstrated these values ​​again today.»

Elsewhere on Sunday, Atletico Madrid slipped further in the title race after a 0-1 home defeat to Real ⁠Betis.

Antony struck in the 28th minute with a fierce effort from the edge of the penalty area to give Manuel Pellegrini’s side a valuable victory while boosting their push for European qualification.

Atletico is third in the table with 45 points, three points ahead of fourth place Villarreal, which has two games left to play. Betis is fifth with 38 points

Published on February 9, 2026