Real Madrid Edge Closer to Barcelona with Hard-Fought 2-0 Victory at Mestalla

Real Madrid kept the pressure firmly on LaLiga leaders Barcelona with a disciplined 2-0 win over Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium on February 8, 2026. The victory marked Los Blancos' seventh consecutive league success, narrowing the gap at the top to just one point.

The first half remained goalless, with both sides struggling to create clear chances in a tightly contested encounter. The breakthrough arrived in the 65th minute through an inspired moment from left-back Álvaro Carreras. Collecting the ball after a fortunate ricochet, the 22-year-old surged forward, evaded defenders, and slotted a precise low shot into the bottom corner for his second goal since joining the club.

Valencia pushed for an equalizer but lacked the cutting edge, and Real Madrid sealed the result in stoppage time. Substitute Brahim Díaz launched a swift counter, delivering a low cross that Kylian Mbappé calmly finished from close range. The strike was Mbappé's 23rd league goal of the season—his ninth in the last six matches—further cementing his dominance in the scoring charts.

The clean sheet ended a long wait for Madrid at Mestalla, while the three points maintain their relentless pursuit of the title. With Barcelona also victorious elsewhere, the 2025-26 LaLiga race promises more thrilling twists ahead.