After Vini Jr. misses penalty, Diakhaby scores as Valencia stun Real Madrid

The showdown between Real Madrid and Valencia in the 30th round of LaLiga kicked off with twists at the Santiago Bernabéu, where the first 18 minutes of the opening half shifted the game’s momentum. At 11:15 a.m. (Brasília time), the referee signaled the start, and Real Madrid, second in the standings with 63 points, took the field aiming to close a three-point gap to leaders Barcelona. Valencia, sitting 16th with 31 points, battles to pull away from the relegation zone. By the 12th minute, Vini Jr. fluffed a penalty, and at the 14th, Diakhaby rose to head in a corner, giving Valencia a shock lead and quieting the packed stadium.

Before the goal, the match had already heated up. At the 9th minute, Mbappé was fouled by Tárrega in the box, with VAR confirming a penalty for Real Madrid. Tárrega picked up a yellow card at the 11th minute for the challenge, but Vini Jr.’s penalty attempt at the 12th minute went awry, his central shot saved by Mamardashvili’s left leg. Valencia, who started swapping passes and testing with Javi Guerra’s shot in the 1st minute, seized their moment. At the 14th minute, Diakhaby found space amid Real Madrid’s defense on a corner kick and nodded the ball into the net, handing the visitors an unexpected edge.

As Real Madrid scrambles to respond, Valencia digs in. At the 16th minute, Mbappé tangled with Tárrega again in the area, appealing for another penalty, but the referee waved play on. By the 18th minute, the hosts were back to working the ball in the attacking third, hunting an equalizer. Carlo Ancelotti’s side, featuring Fran González, Lucas Vázquez, Tchouaméni, Rüdiger, Fran García, Modric, Valverde, Bellingham, Brahim Díaz, Mbappé, and Vini Jr., arrived fresh off a dramatic Copa del Rey qualification against Real Sociedad, yet now faces an early setback at home.

⚽ 15' | 0-1 | Gol de Diakhaby.

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 5, 2025

Before kickoff, both teams warmed up on the Santiago Bernabéu pitch, setting the stage for the clash. Real Madrid rolled out an attacking lineup, leaning on Modric’s experience and the dynamism of Valverde and Bellingham in midfield, with Mbappé and Vini Jr. leading the charge up top. The Brazilian flair of Vini Jr. adds a special draw, though his penalty miss at the 12th minute left fans stunned.

Valencia, fielding Mamardashvili, Aarons, Mosquera, Diakhaby, Tárrega, Jesús Vázquez, André Almeida, Barrenechea, Javi Guerra, Diego López, and Umar Sadiq, opts for a more defensive approach. Diakhaby’s goal at the 14th minute proves Carlos Corberán’s squad can capitalize on set pieces, turning opportunities into results.

Key moments so far

The first 18 minutes delivered game-changing plays. Here are the highlights:

• 1st minute: Javi Guerra fires from distance for Valencia, but the ball sails high for a goal kick.
• 6th minute: Lucas Vázquez threads a pass to Mbappé, who misfires from an offside position.
• 9th minute: Mbappé is fouled by Tárrega in the box; VAR awards Real Madrid a penalty.
• 12th minute: Vini Jr. strikes the penalty down the middle, saved by Mamardashvili’s left leg.
• 14th minute: Diakhaby heads in a corner to put Valencia ahead.

Real Madrid’s title chase

Boasting 63 points from 29 matches, Real Madrid has notched 19 wins, 6 draws, and 4 losses in LaLiga, securing second place. Trailing Barcelona by just three points, every game is vital, and Diakhaby’s goal at the 14th minute, following Vini Jr.’s penalty miss, heaps pressure on the squad. Earlier in the week, the team battled Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey, drawing 4-4 before clinching a final spot in extra time, raising hopes for a strong showing at the Bernabéu.

Carlo Ancelotti’s selection reflects high ambitions. Fran González steps into goal in place of Courtois and Lunin, while Tchouaméni shifts to center-back alongside Rüdiger, flanked by Lucas Vázquez and Fran García. Modric, Valverde, and Bellingham form a creative midfield trio, with Brahim Díaz adding flexibility. Mbappé and Vini Jr. spearhead the attack, but the Brazilian’s flub at the 12th minute and Diakhaby’s strike at the 14th expose cracks that need fixing.

Valencia’s resurgence

Valencia endured a tough first half of the season, scraping together 13 points from 57 possible, with just two wins in 19 rounds. Now at 31 points, they hold 16th place with 7 wins, 10 draws, and 12 losses, sitting four points above the drop zone. Diakhaby’s goal at the 14th minute, after Mamardashvili’s penalty save, underscores their improvement under Carlos Corberán, who aims to stun the hosts.

Valencia’s approach blends defensive grit with opportunism. Javi Guerra’s shot at the 1st minute signaled intent, but it was the corner at the 14th minute where Diakhaby exploited a marking lapse that paid off. At the 16th minute, Mbappé’s clash with Tárrega in the box tested their backline, which stood firm. Valencia now looks to protect their lead as Real Madrid pushes forward.

Standout performers on display

Vini Jr. grabs attention after his penalty miss at the 12th minute. Known for his pace, his central shot handed Mamardashvili an easy save. Mbappé shone at the 9th minute, earning the penalty, and remains a threat, as seen at the 16th minute. For Valencia, Diakhaby steals the show with his headed goal at the 14th minute, while Mamardashvili’s save at the 12th minute keeps them in front.

Real Madrid controls possession, evident at the 4th and 18th minutes, with Lucas Vázquez and Bellingham driving play. Fran González, in goal, was caught out by Diakhaby’s header, revealing a weakness in aerial defense. Valencia’s Mamardashvili and Diakhaby shine, holding firm against Real’s onslaught.

Tension at the Bernabéu

At the 18th minute, Valencia’s 1-0 lead stuns the Bernabéu. The packed crowd, buoyed by the Copa del Rey thrill, expected a lead after the penalty, but Vini Jr.’s miss and Diakhaby’s goal flipped the script. Real Madrid, with 63 points, can’t afford a home slip-up, while Valencia, at 31 points, gains momentum to cling to their edge.

The hosts’ response took shape at the 16th minute, with Mbappé pressing in the box, and by the 18th, they were probing in attack. Valencia hunkers down, relying on Corberán’s tactical discipline. The match remains fluid, with Real Madrid chasing a leveler and the visitors eyeing further chances.

Tactical snapshot of the battle

Carlo Ancelotti’s 4-3-3 emphasizes possession and speed. Modric, Valverde, and Bellingham anchor midfield, while Mbappé and Vini Jr. stretch defenses. The missed penalty at the 12th minute and goal conceded at the 14th highlight execution woes. Tchouaméni’s role in defense aids build-up play, but the backline faltered on the set piece.

Carlos Corberán’s 4-5-1 for Valencia prioritizes caution. A five-man midfield aims to stifle Real Madrid, and Diakhaby’s goal from a corner at the 14th minute showcases set-piece prowess. Mamardashvili’s save at the 12th minute and resilience at the 16th minute bolster their stand, though Real’s pressure tests their resolve.

Upcoming LaLiga tests

This clash kicks off a pivotal run for both sides. Here’s what lies ahead:

• Real Madrid: Takes on Arsenal in the Champions League, then resumes LaLiga action.
• Valencia: Hosts Espanyol next round, a chance to gain on a relegation foe.
• Real Madrid: Faces Barcelona in May, a potential title showdown away.
• Valencia: Meets Cádiz in late April, another crucial relegation scrap.
• Both: Navigate LaLiga’s final stretch, with contrasting aims.

Match still unfolding

With Valencia up 1-0 at the 18th minute, the upset looms, but Real Madrid fights back. Vini Jr.’s miss and Diakhaby’s goal shifted the tide, and the hosts now press, as seen at the 18th minute. Mbappé and Bellingham remain dangers, while Valencia banks on Mamardashvili and defensive order.

The Bernabéu crowd, shaken but vocal, urges an equalizer. Real Madrid, with 63 points, needs a turnaround to keep pace with Barcelona, while Valencia, at 31 points, sees this lead as a springboard. Starting at 11:15 a.m. (Brasília time), the first half still holds plenty in store.