VALENCIA (AFP) – Jude Bellingham made amends for missing a penalty by snatching 10-man Real Madrid a 2-1 victory at Valencia to take them top of La Liga after winger Vinicius Junior was sent off.
Huro Duro sent the hosts ahead in the first half of a feisty clash but Luka Modric levelled for Carlo Ancelotti’s side before Bellingham pounced in stoppage time.
Vinicius, who squared off with Valencia supporters who racially abused him at the same stadium in 2022, was dismissed for shoving Los Che goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski in the back of the neck with little over 10 minutes remaining.
Madrid were trailing at the time but Bellingham set up veteran midfielder Modric to level in the 85th minute and spark a superb comeback.
Bellingham broke in to strike in the 96th minute after a Valencia defensive error, sending Madrid two points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of the table, having played a game more than Diego Simeone’s team.
“(Bellingham had a) great game, he didn’t dip after the missed penalty, it gave him extra motivation,” said Ancelotti.
“He made an extraordinary effort… (scoring) was a reward for him for the game he had.”
Ancelotti said he did not think Vinicius’ push deserved a red card and was surprised by his team’s poor start to the match.
