da fezbet： Real Madrid's attack stalled while a defensive error proved costly as Los Blancos fell to relegation-threatened Valencia.

da aposte e ganhe： Karim Benzema faltered in front of goal, while the returning Ferland Mendy made a crucial mistake to see Real Madrid drop their fourth away fixture in a row, losing 1-0 against a Valencia side looking to avoid the drop.

Madrid looked every bit a team with nothing to play for. Although Los Blancos pieced some neat passages of play together early, they never created anything concrete. Valencia played their part, though, cutting an organised unit while needing at least a point to move four points clear of the drop zone.

And they found the net when given a rare opportunity. Mendy fell asleep at the back post, allowing Diego Lopez to sneak in and score the opener in his second career start.

Madrid made some introductions after the break, bringing Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Rodrygo into the fold. The trio struggled to make an impact against a compact Valencia back-line, though.

But their efforts were rendered meaningless in a game paused by apparent racist abuse directed at Vinicius Junior. The referee halted play after the Brazilian winger singled out a fan in the stands, while a message in the stadium threatened to suspend the fixture if jeers continued.

Things spiraled out of control after, with Vinicius shown a straight red card for slapping Valencia substitute Hugo Duro.

And after 14 minutes of stoppage time following a second half marked by ugliness and controversy, the home side held on for a 1-0 win.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from the Mestalla…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (6/10):

Made a full-stretch diving save to deny Valencia a second on the stroke of half time. Couldn't do anything about the goal.

Lucas Vazquez (6/10):

Decent cover at right-back with Dani Carvajal needing a rest.

Eder Miliato (6/10):

Lost track of a runner in the lead up to Valencia's goal. Solid otherwise.

Antonio Rudiger (6/10):

Doesn't always have the best understanding with Militao, but covered effectively for a rusty Mendy.

Ferland Mendy (3/10):

Fell asleep on the Valencia opener. Looked sloppy at times in his first meaningful contest in nearly four months.

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Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10)

Given a start with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos needing a rest. Some promising moments, but still looks rusty.

Dani Ceballos (4/10):

Mostly anonymous.

Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):

Excellent on the ball, pressed effectively. Occasionally a bit over-zealous in a tackle. A puzzling substitution at the break.

GettyAttack

Marco Asensio (3/10):

Ineffective in the first half, slightly better in the second.

Karim Benzema (4/10):

He's really faded towards the end of the season. Drifted around in the usual way, but lacks sharpness on the ball.

Vinicius Jr (5/10):

Typically exciting on the ball, but handled well by Valencia. Victim of vile racist abuse once more, before being sent off for retaliating. La Liga has to do something.

Subs & Manager

Rodrygo (6/10):

A half time introduction. Didn't really improve things.

Toni Kroos (6/10):

Saw a couple of late efforts saved.

Luka Modric (5/10):

Played as a No.10. Some nice touches but didn't create.

Dani Carvajal (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Federico Valverde (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (4/10):

Rotated a bit, handing both Camavinga and Tchouameni starts in central midfield, while also bringing Mendy back. His side were off the pace for most of proceedings, with Benzema particularly short of his best. Madrid could now finish third.