Real Madrid achieved a winning feat for the first time in over 25 years with their late fightback in Friday’s 2-1 victory over Valencia.
Los Blancos looked set to begin the new year with a defeat after Valencia’s Hugo Duro opened the scoring in the 27th minute at Mestalla.
In the second half, Jude Bellingham missed a penalty shortly before Kylian Mbappe had a goal ruled out for offside.
Matters got worse for Carlo Ancelotti‘s side when Vinicius Junior was shown a straight red card for pushing Stole Dimitrievski in the face.
However, just as it seemed as though Valencia would claim all three points, Luka Modric netted an 85th-minute equaliser after being sent through on goal by Bellingham’s neat pass.
The England international then put his own name on the scoresheet, taking advantage of a defensive error to slot home a 95th-minute winner.
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Real Madrid achieve winning feat for first time in the 21st century
Bellingham’s late goal and assist helped the Spanish giants achieve a winning feat for the first in over 25 years.
Real Madrid came from behind with 10 men to win a LaLiga game for the first time since they beat Rayo Vallecano in November 1999.
On that occasion, Los Blancos were trailing 2-1 when Fernando Morientes was sent off in the 58th minute – just 12 minutes after he had pulled a goal back.
Despite being left at a numerical disadvantage, Real Madrid went on to claim a 3-2 victory thanks to goals from Fernando Hierro and Raul.
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Bellingham continues red-hot form
Not only did he help Real Madrid move to the top of the tablebut Bellingham also continued his impressive form with his late winner at Mestalla.
Bellingham has now scored in seven of Real Madrid’s last eight league games after failing to find the net in his first seven league appearances of the campaign.
Overall, the 21-year-old has scored seven goals and provided six assists in 21 competitive appearances this season.
After moving to the top of La Liga, Real Madrid will now turn their focus to Monday’s Copa del Rey away game against fourth-tier Deportivo Minera.
Ancelotti’s side will then travel to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup, with Los Blancos set to face Mallorca in Thursday’s semi-final.
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