Jude Bellingham Misses Penalty but Seals Dramatic Winner

Jude Bellingham missed a penalty but scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner as 10-man Real Madrid came from behind to defeat Valencia 2-1, moving to the top of La Liga. The thrilling encounter at Mestalla Stadium saw Valencia take the lead in the first half when Hugo Duro tapped in from close range after Thibaut Courtois parried a powerful shot from Javi Guerra. Real Madrid had a chance to level in the 55th minute when Kylian Mbappe drew a foul in the box but Bellingham’s penalty bounced off the post.

The match then took a twist as Real Madrid went down to 10 men after Vinicius Jr. pushed Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski and VAR confirmed the decision to send him off. Despite the setback, Real Madrid equalized in the 85th minute when Luka Modric slotted in a pass from Bellingham. As the game neared a draw, Jude Bellingham capitalized on a mistake from Valencia defender Dimitri Foulquier to put Real ahead in the 95th minute. Valencia nearly equalized in the final seconds but Luis Rioja’s fierce strike hit the post.

The win lifts Real Madrid two points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of the table, although Atletico have a game in hand. This match had to reschedule after devastating flash floods hit Valencia in late October, causing over 220 deaths. For Valencia, Carlos Corberan took charge for the first time after moving from West Bromwich Albion. Despite the defeat, Corberan can take encouragement from his team’s performance. However, the loss leaves Valencia in 19th place, four points behind 17th-placed Getafe.