Before the Champions League second leg against Leipzig in the Spanish La Liga at FC Valencia, leaders Real Madrid averted defeat in a heated game with a turbulent final phase.
Thanks to a double pack from Vinicius Junior (45th + 5th, 76th), the “Royal” won a 2-2 draw after being 2-0 down on Saturday (March 2nd, 2024). Hugo Duro (27th) and Roman Yaremchuk (30th) put the hosts in the lead with a quick double. Things got really wild again in stoppage time.
First, Reals Nacho saved with a tackle in dire need against Duro (90th + 1). The referee initially decided on a penalty, but according to the video images, he withdrew the whistle. A little later, Real goalkeeper Andriy Lunin deflected a shot from Peter Gonzalez past the goal (90+6). With another chance, Gonzalez shot over the goal (90+7).
And then Jude Bellingham actually scored with a header after Real’s last cross from the right (90+9). But referee Jesus Gil Manzano blew the whistle just before the cross. The Real players then stormed the referee. In the ensuing turmoil, Bellingham was ultimately shown a red card.
Diakhaby seriously injured
Players and spectators experienced a shocking moment beforehand. Shortly before the end of regular time, Aurelian Tchouameni slipped onto the right leg of Valencia’s Mouctar Diakhaby in a challenge. The hosts’ defender was left screaming in pain and carried off the field.
Antonio Rüdiger and Toni Kroos played for Madrid from the start. Kroos was substituted for Luka Modric in the second half (63′). With 66 points, Real leads the table ahead of FC Girona (59) and FC Barcelona (57), who could reduce the gap on Sunday.