Football is a mindset, and this Saturday night the Santiago Bernabéu hosted two striking expressions of it. Valencia appeared fearless, shedding the shadows of relegation and mediocrity that dimmed them in recent years. When Jude Bellingham wasn’t on the pitch due to a shoulder issue, Brahim Díaz stepped forward, a reminder of the depth in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad and the label some observers already cast on him as a key ball handler for Real Madrid’s plans.
Goal from ‘Killer’ Carvajal
The third example that underlines football as a matter of faith comes from Dani Carvajal. The winger has been encouraged to join the attack more frequently this season, and on the opening play of the match he struck with his left foot, delivering the opening goal. The ball rose high and required nerve to be struck with precision. Carvajal’s finish carried the cool competence of a seasoned keeper from the region. Valencia regrouped, answering with a festive early push in Chamartín’s grand setting, featuring Javi Guerra, Canós, and Diego López among others. The duel widened as Lunin and Mamardashvili traded saves, while Bellingham’s absence allowed Vinicius to roam closer to his peak. He must choose well and push toward that elevated level to reclaim his best form.
Vinicius Sentence
The player who drew less attention was Brahim, who shone in the previous clash against Braga and looked more disciplined in tracking the wing. Yet the Malaga talent fits seamlessly with the Brazilians, Camavinga, Valverde, or Kroos. The contest produced chances on both ends, with Lunin edging Hugo Duro and Mamardashvili matching Vinicius’s drive. In the 40th minute Valencia missed a gilt-edged chance, then Rodrygo moved to the right, finding a rhythm with Jude absent behind him. From there he delivered a cross into the heart of the area, and Vinicius connected with a chest finish for a convincing breakthrough. Madrid test the limits of Valencia’s resolve and neutralize their aggression.
Two goals in two minutes
If there was a spark needed to ignite the night, it arrived three minutes into the second half when Paulista’s error fell to Vinicius. The king of quick counters hammered home, immediately signaling a closed game and a decisive turn. The momentum shifted again when another mistake, this time by Mamardashvili, allowed Rodrygo to capitalize. Baraja’s bold approach kept Valencia hopeful, yet the mounting errors compounded the visitors’ chances.
Bellingham eclipses Real Madrid’s pecking order and leaves Vinícius, Rodrygo and Valverde dry
Madrid’s stars showed that Vinicius and Rodrygo can shine even without Bellingham, echoing the tempo set against Braga. The discussion isn’t about blaming the English forward, but about how his presence creates alternate passing lanes and tense contexts for the Brazilian attackers. Ancelotti now faces the task of integrating Vinicius and Rodrygo with Bellingham’s influence without compromising either side. Vinicius stayed focused, avoiding distractions from on-field clashes and keeping his eye on the ball.
The final half hour stretched as Valencia pressed to keep the score respectable, with Baraja urging his team to push for a fifth. Valencia had entered the Bernabéu with thirteen goals but fewer shots on target than any other side in the league. Still, Madrid sealed the night with a counterattack masterclass, and Valencia walked away wiser, perhaps a touch naive, about the speed and precision Madrid can unleash. The 5-1 result reinforced Madrid’s optimism while delivering a tough lesson to their brave opponents.