Valencia vs Real Madrid: The tactics board - Mourinho’s Madrid pick apart Aguirre’s back five through Guler and Mbappe
Real Madrid secured a 3-0 victory over Valencia in La Liga, with Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe leading the attack. The match was characterized by Madrid's tactical dominance and Valencia's aggressive defensive approach, which resulted in multiple fouls and a red card.
Why it matters
This result keeps Real Madrid in contention for the league title, highlighting the tactical evolution of the team under Jose Mourinho.
Real Madrid drew level on points with Barcelona after a 3-0 win at the Mestalla. Javier Aguirre’s Valencia sat deep in a back five and committed 26 fouls, but Jose Mourinho’s side kept attacking down the left, and Arda Guler’s through balls kept finding Kylian Mbappe in behind.
It was Madrid's fourth straight league victory, and they now trail the La Liga leaders only on goal difference. Federico Valverde and Guler scored eight minutes apart in the first half, and Guler then set up Mbappe for his 13th league goal of the season 15 minutes from time. Valencia, who finished with 10 men after Jose Gaya's red card, stay 19th on nine points, a point from safety, after a seventh league defeat in 12 games.
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