Valencia CF fell to a 4-1 defeat against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, in a match which featured much controversy surrounding a first half penalty. A goal for Gonçalo Guedes in the second half was a consolation for the team, who now shift their focus to the Copa del Rey and a game against Atlético Baleares next Sunday in Mallorca.

The players came into the game motivated by the opportunity to challenge the LaLiga leaders, who had suffered defeat on the previous matchday. They performed well in the opening stages of the contest, and with the exception of a header by Militao and another subsequent play that were both kept out by great interventions from goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, Valencia CF successfully contained Real Madrid for practically the entire first half. Defending with intensity and solidity, it was a disciplined showing that consisted of creating danger on the counter, through the pace of the likes of Guedes.

However, the script would be flipped towards the end of the first half. After a shot against the crossbar by Luka Modrid, a highly debatable penalty was given Real Madrid's way when Casemiro went down in the box in a tussle with Omar Alderete. The referee signalled for a spot kick, and VAR was not consulted to check the decision.

From 12 yards, Karim Benzema converted to take Real Madrid 1-0 in front.

After a good first half that saw them not receive any reward for their efforts, the team returned for the second period at a deficit.

Real Madrid were able to extend their lead through Vini Jr with a rapid-fire brace, almost completely ruling out any possibility of a comeback at the Santiago Bernabéu for Valencia CF.

Wass tried to close the distance with two shots from outside the area, and the referee awarded Valencia CF a penalty after a clear grab by Mendy on Marcos André. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois kept out the shot by Guedes, but the Portuguese headed in the rebound.

Before the end, Benzema made it 4-1, and Valencia CF went home empty handed in their latest LaLiga encounter.

MATCH STATS

REAL MADRID: Courtois, Lucas Vázquez (Nacho, 87’), Militao, Alaba, Mendy, Casemiro (Camavinga, 71’), Kroos, Modric (Ceballos, 70’) Asensio, Vini Jr (Fede Valverde, 87’) and Benzema (Isco, 89’).

VALENCIA CF: Cillessen, Piccini (Rubén Iranzo, 77’), Omar Alderete, Diakhaby, Gayà, Hugo Guillamón, Wass, Yunus Musah (Cheryshev, 66’), Hélder Costa (Koba Leïn, 66’) (Manu Vallejo, 83’), Guedes and Maxi Gómez (Marcos André, 66’).

GOALS: 1-0 Benzema (p), 43’; 2-0 Vini Jr, 52’; 3-0 Vini Jr, 61’; 3-1 Guedes, 76’; 4-1 Benzema, 88’.