Mourinho's train doesn't stop.. El Real achieves 8th consecutive victory and deepens Valencia's wounds

07.11.26 FT LaLiga Spain

Valencia

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Real Madrid

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Real Madrid secured an impressive 3-0 victory over Valencia at the Estadio de Mestalla on Saturday 7 November 2026 extending their excellent run of form in the 12th round of the Spanish La Liga season.

Federico Valverde opened the scoring in the 28th minute before Arda Güler doubled the visitors' advantage eight minutes later.

Kylian Mbappe completed the victory in the 75th minute putting the result beyond doubt as Jose Mourinho's side collected another important three points.

Valencia's frustrations were compounded four minutes later when captain Jose Gaya received a straight red card following a challenge on Mbappe.

The result lifted Real Madrid to 30 points after 12 matches maintaining the pressure on the teams above them while Javier Aguirre's Valencia remained in the relegation zone with just nine points.

The encounter also featured several African internationals including Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, Nigeria striker Umar Sadiq and Morocco playmaker Brahim Diaz.

Read Also: The year of the great farewell: 2026 writes final chapter in international careers of greatest football legends in world and Africa

Valencia vs Real Madrid: How the match unfolded

Real Madrid entered the contest following seven consecutive victories across all competitions including a 3-0 win against Racing Santander in their previous La Liga fixture.

Mourinho selected a strong attacking lineup featuring Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and Diomande.

Valencia meanwhile adopted a more cautious approach under Aguirre lining up in a 5-3-2 formation with Sadiq and Arnaut Danjuma leading the attack.

Despite Madrid's early control, the home side briefly threatened to change the course of the contest.

In the 18th minute, Aaron Mayol capitalised on a mistake by Aurelien Tchouameni and tested Thibaut Courtois who produced an important save.

A minute later, Guido Rodriguez managed to put the ball into Real Madrid's net but the celebrations were cut short when the goal was ruled out for offside.

The decision proved significant.

Valencia had threatened to take the lead but within ten minutes they found themselves trailing.

Real Madrid broke the deadlock in the 28th minute following a dangerous free kick.

Pablo Maffeo had been booked two minutes earlier for a challenge on Mbappe, giving the visitors an opportunity in an advanced position.

The French striker stepped up to take the set piece but his effort was blocked by Valencia's defensive wall.

The rebound fell to Federico Valverde outside the penalty area.

The Uruguayan midfielder reacted immediately, unleashing a low right footed strike into the bottom left corner of Stole Dimitrievski's goal.

The finish gave Real Madrid a deserved advantage after their encouraging start.

It was also Valverde's first league goal of the 2026 /27 campaign.

For Valencia, the setback was particularly frustrating after their earlier attacking opportunities.

Real Madrid continued to press after taking the lead.

In the 35th minute, Tchouameni tested Dimitrievski with an effort from outside the penalty area forcing the Valencia goalkeeper into another intervention.

However, the hosts could not prevent a second goal.

Just one minute later, Arda Guler found space inside the penalty area and produced an excellent right footed finish into the upper right corner.

The Turkish international's strike doubled Real Madrid's advantage and left Valencia facing a difficult task.

With Mourinho's players controlling possession and moving the ball effectively through midfield, the visitors appeared increasingly comfortable.

Valencia struggled to contain the movement of Bellingham, Guler & Mbappe while Diomande continued to provide width and directness in attack.

The first half ended with Real Madrid leading 2-0.

Valencia attempt a comeback, but Courtois stands firm

Aguirre responded immediately after the interval.

Luis Rioja replaced Justin de Haas at half time as the Valencia coach sought to add attacking creativity.

Further changes followed including the introduction of Aimar Blazquez for Umar Sadiq in the 59th minute.

Filip Ugrinic and Arnau Martinez subsequently entered in the 63rd minute, replacing Guido Rodriguez and Maffeo.

Valencia enjoyed moments of attacking promise but Madrid continued creating the clearer opportunities.

In the 64th minute, Bellingham forced Dimitrievski into an impressive save before Mbappe attempted an acrobatic effort from the rebound.

Two minutes later, Courtois produced another important intervention to deny Danjuma.

Madrid came close again in the 68th minute when Bellingham broke into the penalty area and attempted a powerful low shot, only to be denied by Dimitrievski.

The goalkeeper's interventions prevented a heavier scoreline during that period.

However, Valencia's resistance eventually collapsed.

75th minute: Mbappe seals the victory

Real Madrid's third goal arrived in the 75th minute following an excellent attacking move.

Arda Guler delivered a precise through ball into the penalty area, releasing Mbappé behind the Valencia defence.

The French international timed his run perfectly before finishing from close range with his right foot.

Dimitrievski was unable to prevent the ball from finding the net.

The goal made it 3-0 and effectively ended any realistic hope of a Valencia comeback.

It also capped another productive evening for Guler who finished the match with a goal and an assist.

Mbappe meanwhile continued his impressive scoring form in La Liga.

79th minute: Jose Gaya sent off against Real Madrid

Valencia's difficult evening took another turn in the 79th minute.

Captain Jose Gaya committed a foul on Mbappe near the left touchline.

Referee Francisco Jose Hernandez Maeso immediately showed the Spanish defender a straight red card.

The dismissal left Valencia with ten players for the closing stages.

The incident was followed by further disciplinary action, with Yan Diomande and Luis Rioja both receiving yellow cards in the 80th minute.

Mbappe and Pepelu were also booked shortly afterwards.

Mourinho then made three substitutions in the 84th minute introducing Brahim Díaz, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick.

With the result already secured, Real Madrid maintained their control and continued looking for further attacking opportunities.

In the closing moments, Endrick went close to adding a fourth goal, but Dimitrievski prevented another concession after a pass from Brahim.

The final whistle confirmed an emphatic 3-0 away victory.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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