Real Madrid Beat Valencia 3-0 at Mestalla to Join Barcelona at the Top

Real Madrid beat Valencia 3-0 at Estadio de Mestalla on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in La Liga Matchday 12. Federico Valverde opened the scoring in the 28th minute, Arda Guler added the second in the 36th minute, and Kylian Mbappe finished the win in the 75th minute. Real Madrid led 2-0 at half time and never looked in danger of letting the lead slip. The win was the club’s eighth successive win in all competitions, and it moved Real Madrid provisionally level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Quick Facts

How the Goals Arrived

Real Madrid took control in the first half and stayed in control until the final whistle. The opening goal arrived in the 28th minute from a moment that started with a set piece. Kylian Mbappe stepped up to take a free kick, but his effort hit the wall. The ball fell kindly for Federico Valverde, who was waiting outside the box. Valverde did not hesitate. He drove a low diagonal shot into the net, and Valencia had no real chance to stop it.

The second goal followed only eight minutes later. Jude Bellingham broke down the left side with pace and purpose, then delivered a cross into the area. The ball took a touch off Valencia defender Cesar Tarrega, and the touch lifted the ball up into the air. Arda Guler read the moment well. He was unmarked in the area, and he tapped the ball in from close range. It was a simple finish, but it came from sharp movement and good awareness, and Bellingham deserved credit for the run and the delivery that started the move.

By half time, Real Madrid led 2-0, and the shape of the match was clear. Valencia had offered very little in attack, and the numbers told the same story. The home side finished the match with an expected goals total of only 0.24, while Real Madrid finished with 2.26. That gap of more than two expected goals shows how one-sided the contest was.

The third goal arrived in the 75th minute, and it sealed the win in style. This time Guler turned provider. He found Mbappe, who got in front of his marker, cut outside, and fired the ball into the net. Mbappe has now scored in a seventh consecutive match. The goal was his 13th in the league this season, and his 17th in 16 appearances in all competitions.

Valverde Sets the Tone Again

Federico Valverde has made a habit of scoring from distance, and he did it again at Mestalla. His goal against Valencia means he has now scored from outside the box in back-to-back games. That is a useful weapon for any team, because it punishes opponents who sit deep and try to block the space in front of their goal. When a midfielder can strike cleanly from range, defenders have to step out, and that step creates space for the forwards behind them.

The first goal changed the mood of the match, as Valencia had to come forward more.

Guler and Mbappe Complete the Job

Arda Guler played a central part in this win, and his contribution covered both ends of the scoring. He scored the second goal himself, arriving unmarked to tap in after Bellingham’s cross and the touch from Tarrega. Then, in the second half, he set up the third goal for Mbappe.

His finish for the second goal was simple, but the movement behind it was smart. He stayed alert as the cross came in, and he was ready when the ball lifted up off Tarrega. He was in the right place and made no mistake.

Mbappe then finished the job with his goal in the 75th minute. He got in front of his marker, cut outside, and fired in. Seven consecutive matches with a goal is a serious run, and 13 league goals this season already puts him in a strong position. His total of 17 goals in 16 appearances in all competitions shows that he is scoring in almost every game he plays.

A Tribute, a Red Card and a Quiet Night for Courtois

The match paused in the ninth minute as players and supporters paid tribute to Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died on Tuesday. The players stood still, the crowd joined in, and the game then resumed. For readers who want more on that story, our report on the Jesus de Miguel tributes and the Tenerife investigation carries the fuller background.

Once play restarted, Real Madrid kept control. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois delivered whenever called upon, and that is often the mark of a top keeper in a match his team dominates. He did not have a busy night, because Valencia created so little, but he stayed ready and dealt with what came his way.

Valencia’s night got worse in the 79th minute when captain Jose Gaya was sent off. By that point the match was already decided, with Real Madrid leading 3-0. They finished the match with ten men.

Real Madrid were also missing a key player of their own. Vinicius Junior was absent, serving the final match of a four-game suspension. Real Madrid did not miss him on the night. Valverde, Guler and Mbappe all scored, Bellingham created a goal, and the team won by three goals away from home. Our report on Real Madrid’s comeback win and the Como nine covers that European night in full.

What the Win Means at the Top of La Liga

The table now makes interesting reading. This win moved Real Madrid provisionally level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona. That word provisionally matters, because Barcelona still have a game to play. Barcelona visit third-placed Atletico Madrid on Sunday, and that is a tough away match. If Barcelona win, they move clear again. If they drop points, Real Madrid will be right there with them at the top.

Eight successive wins in all competitions is a strong run by any measure. It shows a team that is winning in different ways, at home and away, in the league and in Europe. Manager Jose Mourinho’s side kept pace at the top of the table with this win, and that is exactly what a title challenger has to do in November.

For Valencia, the defeat leaves them with questions to answer. They managed only 0.24 expected goals at home, and they lost their captain to a red card. They created very little and never looked like turning the match around.

For Real Madrid, the next steps are clear. Welcome Vinicius Junior back from suspension for the next match. With Mbappe scoring in seven matches in a row, and with Valverde scoring from distance in back-to-back games, the attack has more than one route to goal. See our report on Harry Kane’s contract extension with Bayern until 2029. Mbappe is having a similar effect at Real Madrid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who scored in Valencia 0-3 Real Madrid?

Federico Valverde scored in the 28th minute, Arda Guler scored in the 36th minute, and Kylian Mbappe scored in the 75th minute.

What was the half time score at Mestalla?

Real Madrid led 2-0 at half time. Valverde and Guler scored both first half goals, and Real Madrid added the third through Mbappe in the second half. Valencia did not score, and Real Madrid kept a clean sheet.

How many goals has Kylian Mbappe scored this season?

Mbappe has now scored in a seventh consecutive match. The goal against Valencia was his 13th in the league this season and his 17th in 16 appearances in all competitions.

Why was Vinicius Junior not playing against Valencia?

Vinicius Junior was serving the final match of a four-game suspension, so he was not available for the match at Mestalla. Real Madrid still won 3-0 without him.

Sources

Final Thoughts

Real Madrid’s 3-0 win at Valencia was a complete away performance. They scored early, added a second before half time, and finished the match with a third goal from their in-form striker. Valverde set the tone with a fine strike from outside the box, Guler scored one and set up another, and Mbappe kept his scoring run going with his 13th league goal of the season. At the back, Courtois stayed alert, the defence kept a clean sheet, and Valencia managed only 0.24 expected goals all night. The win also matters for the title race. Eight wins in a row in all competitions is a strong run, and moving level on points with Barcelona, even provisionally, keeps Real Madrid right in the fight at the top. Barcelona still have to visit Atletico Madrid on Sunday, so the picture may change again soon. For now, though, Real Madrid have done their job. They won away from home, they won by three goals, and they did it without Vinicius Junior. That is the mark of a team with depth, belief and a clear plan.

Image credit: Real Madrid beat Valencia 3-0 at Mestalla.