Real Madrid player ratings vs Valencia: Stunning Alvaro Carreras solo goal & late Kylian Mbappe strike keep unconvincing Blancos on Barcelona's heels

Tom Hindle Sun, 8 February 2026 at 7:57 pm UTC·3 min read Alvaro Carreras scored a memorable goal and Kylian Mbappe added a late second to carry an otherwise mixed Real Madrid past Valencia, 2-0. Los Blancos were well short of their best in a tricky Sunday night fixture, but a duo of second half goals spared any blushes, and ensured that they are very much in the title race after a winter slump. Madrid offered little attacking threat in the first half, rather limited in the absence of the suspended Vinicius Jr. The Frenchman had a trio of chances within the first 30 minutes, but none were too convincing - and Stole Dimitrievski kept Los Blancos out with relative ease.Advertisement...