Real Madrid welcomed Valencia to the Bernabeu on Sunday looking to move three points behind La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.
Both sides had chances in an open first period, but it was Valencia that entered the interval with a 1-0 lead following a close-range header from Jeremy Mathieu.
Madrid's pressure paid off just before the hour mark when Sergio Ramos levelled with a header of his own, but Dani Parejo struck six minutes later to regain the lead for the visitors.
The home side secured a point in stoppage time, however, when Cristiano Ronaldo finished from close range.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's La Liga coverage resumes from the Bernabeu as Real Madrid welcome Valencia. The home side are currently six points behind the leaders Atletico Madrid – who lost at Levante earlier this afternoon - but they have two games in hand. Valencia, meanwhile, have had a fairly mediocre league campaign, with 45 points from their 35 games leaving them in eighth and without a realistic chance of securing European football next season. Right, let me bring you the team news from the capital...
TEAMS:
MADRID: Lopez; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Alonso, Isco, Illarramendi; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo
VALENCIA: Alves; Pereira, Costa, Mathieu, Bernat; Fuego, Keita, Parejo; Feghouli, Alcacer, Vargas
Salen los jugadores a calentar. ¡Faltan 30 minutos para el partido! #RealMadridValencia #RMLive pic.twitter.com/QNTq4XUiZh
— Real Madrid C. F. (@realmadrid) May 4, 2014
So there we have it. Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti rings the changes from last week's Champions League semi-final win over Bayern Munich, with Diego Lopez, Raphael Varane, Marcelo, Isco and Asier Illarramendi among those coming into the XI. Sami Khedira also returns to the bench following a long-term knee injury. Valencia, meanwhile, leave Ruben Vezo and Jonas on their bench. Paco Alcacer returns from a European suspension to lead their line, while Diego Alves continues in goal at the expense of Vicente Guaita.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Madrid have won three of the last five matches, with the further two fixtures ending in draws. As mentioned, Valencia picked up a 1-1 draw in this stadium last season, but Madrid were 3-2 winners when they travelled to the Mestalla earlier this season. Los Blancos also beat Valencia 5-0 at the Bernabeu on their way to the final of the Copa del Rey last season.
Madrid booked their spot in the Champions League final last week following a stunning 4-0 win in Germany against Bayern Munich. Los Blancos have already secured the Copa del Rey title this season and therefore the treble is still alive for Ancelotti and his side. Atletico's defeat at Levante earlier today has blown the league wide open. If Madrid win their two games in hand, they will be level on points with the leaders.
Madrid's home form in the league this season has been impressive with 15 wins from their 17 matches, but they have lost twice on their own patch. The goals have seriously flowed in recent weeks, meanwhile, with 15 in their last five matches, conceding just once in the process. That run of games has included two Champions League semi-finals against Bayern Munich and the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
Real Madrid-Valencia at home: 78 wins, 11 draws and 9 defeats for the Whites. They are also unbeaten against Valencia since 2009. #RMLive
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) May 4, 2014
In general, the goals have flowed for Madrid this season with 98 strikes in their 34 league games. Valencia, however, have not found it as straightforward in front of goal with just 47 strikes to their name. Down the other end, Madrid have the third-best defensive record in the league with 32 conceded – keeping an impressive 16 clean sheets in the process. Valencia, meanwhile, have conceded 48 times in their 35 matches.
It is going to be interesting to see how Valencia pick themselves up this evening. Juan Antonio Pizzi's side were less than 20 seconds away from making the Europa League final after turning around a 2-0 first-leg deficit against La Liga rivals Sevilla on Thursday, but they conceded in the final minute of stoppage time, with Sevilla advancing on away goals. It will be the manner of the defeat that hurt them the most.
Overall, it has been a disappointing league campaign for Valencia. They have won just 12 of their 35 league games this season, with a total of 45 points leaving them in ninth spot in the table. They are eight points behind seventh-place Villarreal and an incredible 23 points from Athletic Bilbao, who sit fourth. What's more, Pizzi's side have won just three of their 17 away games in the league this season.
PREDICTION: Atletico's defeat at Levante this afternoon means that Real Madrid can move level on points with their capital rivals if they win their two games in hand. Where do Atletico go on the final weekend? Barcelona. Valencia, meanwhile, do not have too much to play for in terms of the league and I am not expecting a shock this evening. My score prediction is a comfortable 3-0 Los Blancos victory.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that Valencia need to score first if they are to take something from this match. Right, Valencia get the first 45 minutes underway.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. The home supporters are expectant that is for certain. Los Blancos have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with Isco, Illarramendi and Alonso all enjoying early touches of the ball in their own half.
Half-chance for Benzema as Isco delivers a long pass towards the Frenchman, but he cannot collect at the vital moment and Valencia have a goal kick. It has been an open four minutes, with both sides prepared to commit numbers in the final third. No chances to speak of, but Madrid are starting to find a rhythm.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Ronaldo collects a through pass from Bale before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Alves is on hand to make a fine save to his left.
Bright work from Bale as the Welshman drives down the left before attempting to move past Pereira, but the Valencia right-back is on hand to clear the danger. Ramos has a strike from the resulting corner, but Mathieu stands strong. The pressure has been increased in the last couple of minutes, with Los Blancos in control.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side as Bale combines with Ronaldo before finding a cross towards the far post, but Benzema can only plant his header over the crossbar. Serious pressure from the home side and Valencia simply cannot get out of their own half. Eight minutes played in Madrid.
Bale continues to force the issue as the Welshman drives into the Valencia box before finding Benzema, but Bernat just does enough to clear the danger. Valencia attempt to break down the other end with Alcacer, but the striker is left isolated. End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes at the Bernabeu.
Valencia have just started to find their rhythm as Feghouli combines with Parejo before driving to the edge of the Madrid box, but Carvajal is across to clear at the vital moment. A sustained period of possession in the middle of the park eventually brings a half-chance, but Varane clears a dangerous Pereira cross.
Again it is brilliant work from Bale as the Madrid forward sweeps a pass towards Marcelo, who delivers a first-time cross into the Valencia box, but Alves is across to claim. Valencia are down the other end with Feghouli in the next attack, but the midfielder is forced back into his own half by Alonso pressure.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, with Valencia managing to quell some of the early pressure. Pereira continues to become involved in the final third for the away side, but his crossing has been poor thus far. Still goalless with 17 minutes on the clock in this La Liga clash.
CROSSBAR! Golden chance for Valencia as Parejo meets a cross from Feghouli at the far post, but Lopez pushes the midfielder's header onto the crossbar. He just had to find the back of the net.
Valencia continue to threaten as Parejo stands over a free kick outside the Madrid box, but his delivery is straight out for a goal kick. Varane and Ramos are both forced into headed clearances moments later, before Parejo brings Bale to the ground inside the Madrid half. Still goalless with 20 minutes on the clock.
Valencia continue to enjoy possession of the ball in their own half, with Madrid thus far unable to force the issue on the counter attack. Alonso looks for the run of Carvajal down the right, but the defender cannot gather under pressure from Bernat. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining in the capital.
Half-chance for Isco as the Madrid midfielder meets a loose ball on the edge of the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Slightly untidy period of the match in terms of challenges, meanwhile, but the referee has not issued a card thus far. Slight sense of frustration in the crowd as another move breaks down.
Another half-chance for the home side as Ronaldo finds Isco with a brilliant flick, the Spaniard slides a through pass into Benzema, but Costa is on hand to clear the danger. Madrid have just started to raise the tempo in the last couple of minutes as Marcelo delivers another low cross, but once more Costa clears.
CHANCE! Ronaldo has another opportunity for the home side following a through pass from Benzema, but his effort is straight at Alves from close range. Ronaldo meets the resulting corner from Alonso, but once more Alves makes the save. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
Another half-chance for the home side as Bale finds some space outside the box before curling one towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Madrid remain in control of the match, but Valencia are closing the space in the final third. The first goal in this match will surely be decisive.
The half-chances continue to arrive for Madrid as Bale drives into the Valencia half before finding Benzema, but his effort is high and wide of the frustration. Ronaldo was in space and not too pleased with the Frenchman's decision to go for goal. Still goalless at the Bernabeu and Valencia are fairly comfortable.
Vargas has moved into a central position for Valencia in the last couple of minutes, but is really struggling to gain possession of the ball. Ronaldo tries his luck for Madrid down the other end, but he fires into the stands and whistles come from the home supporters. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Half-chance for Valencia as Vargas delivers a dangerous cross towards Alcacer, but Varane just does enough to poke clear of the area. Madrid are down the other end with Ronaldo moments later, but his effort is just high of the crossbar. The Portuguese is certainly getting closer, but it remains goalless in the capital.
Valencia again force numbers forward with a quick counter, but Ramos does enough to clear under pressure from Vargas. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Bale combines with Marcelo just outside the Valencia box, but his cross is cleared by Costa. It has been a frustrating last 15 minutes or so.
CHANCE! It's brilliant from Ronaldo as the Portuguese drives into the Valencia box before attempting to stroke one into the bottom corner, but Alves gets down to make a fine block. Moments later, Benzema fires a Bale cross over the crossbar. They are getting closer!
CHANCE! Brilliant work from Vargas as the Valencia forward controls a high ball before finding Feghouli. The midfielder drives into the Madrid box before striking towards goal, but Lopez is on hand to make the save. Valencia will be able to threaten from the resulting corner.
GOAL! Real Madrid 0-1 Valencia (Mathieu)
Valencia do indeed threaten from the resulting corner! Los Che take the lead at the Bernabeu as Mathieu heads a Parejo corner into the back of the net from close range. Wow, this was not in the script.
CHANCE! Bale attempts to respond immediately for Madrid as he meets a high ball on the edge of the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Surely Los Blancos are not going to slip here.
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 0-1 Valencia
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Valencia leading 1-0 courtesy of a close-range header from Mathieu. Madrid have had a number of opportunities, but have thus far been frustrated in the final third. Surely Los Blancos will not pass up this opportunity following Atletico's defeat to Levante earlier this afternoon. There is still a lot of football to be played in the capital this evening.
STATISTICS: The home side have had 54% possession thus far, while they have had 14 attempts - four of which have been on target. Valencia, meanwhile, have hit the target with three of their four attempts. There has not been a single booking thus far, however, which is credit to the referee.
BENCH WATCH: Madrid have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Casemiro, Di Maria and Morata. Valencia, meanwhile, have the likes of Fede, Jonas and Vezo in reserve. Both managers certainly have the personnel to alter proceedings as the match gathers pace.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have both dropped points this weekend and now Real Madrid are struggling. Can Los Blancos respond? Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes underway in what is a nervous Bernabeu stadium.
DESCANSO: Real Madrid 0-1 Valencia (44' Mathieu) #RealMadridValencia #RMLive pic.twitter.com/ZMwlGdiDhA
— Real Madrid C. F. (@realmadrid) May 4, 2014
SUB! One change for Madrid at the interval with Di Maria replacing Illarramendi.
No changes for Valencia at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that Pizzi will consider alterations over the course of the second period. An early goal for Madrid in the second period would certainly change the atmosphere inside the stadium.
Half-chance for Isco as the Madrid midfielder dances past two defenders before striking towards goal, but Alves is on hand to make the save. Valencia, meanwhile, have pushed Vargas right alongside Alcacer in the final third. The visitors are going to have a real go in search of their second in the capital.
BOOKING! Di Maria wants a penalty as the ball appears to strike the hand of Pereira inside the Valencia box, but the referee is not interested. Moments later, the Argentine talks his way into the book.
Another opportunity for Valencia to threaten from a free kick as Parejo delivers towards Mathieu, but Lopez just does enough to clear the danger. Feghouli dances into the area moments later, but Marcelo manages to clear. Di Maria has a strike at Alves down the other end, but the Valencia stopper makes the save.
Another half-chance for the home side as Isco finds some space outside the Valencia box before curling one towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes, but still Valencia lead. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals in Madrid.
SAVE! Brilliant goalkeeping from Alves as the Valencia stopper makes a wonderful save to deny Ronaldo from a volley. The pressure is increasing as the second period continues to gather pace.
Varane is next to come close for Madrid as the Frenchman meets a cross from Alonso, but his effort just drops wide of the post. There is some movement on the Valencia bench, meanwhile, which suggests that Pizzi is considering making a change. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and still Valencia lead 1-0.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-1 Valencia (Ramos)
The home side level just before the hour mark as Ramos nods a Ronaldo header into the back of the net from close range. Game on at the Bernabeu! Ramos is among the goals at the moment that is for certain.
Some real concern over Alcacer at the Bernabeu as the Valencia forward lands on his back following a high challenge with Varane. The youngster is not moving at the moment and the stretcher has been called.
Alcacer returns to his feet and it does appear that he will be fit to continue. The atmosphere is just incredible inside the stadium as Marcelo breaks down the left before finding Bale, but Costa is on hand to clear ahead of Ronaldo. Little over 25 minutes of this Spanish contest still to play at the Bernabeu.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-2 Valencia (Parejo)
Oh wow. Valencia regain the lead with 65 minutes on the clock as Parejo rattles a low effort into the bottom corner following a brilliant cross from Feghouli. Madrid must respond once more at the Bernabeu.
SAVE! Another brilliant chance for Ronaldo as the Madrid forward drives into the Valencia box, but Alves is down to make a terrific stop. Hardly time to take a breath at the moment!
SUB! Valencia make their first change of the match as Jonas replaces Alcacer in attack.
More frustration for Real Madrid as Benzema attempts to find Marcelo with a low pass, but it runs out of play at the vital moment. Little under 20 minutes of normal time remaining and the title race is taking another twist here. If Madrid lose, Barcelona are right back in this that is for certain. Just incredible.
BOOKING! Keita enters the book for the away side following a late challenge on Carvajal.
Another half-chance for Valencia as Parejo drives into the Madrid box before attempting to release a strike, but he feels a tug at the final moment and the danger is cleared. What a moment that would have been.
SUB! Another change for Madrid as Casemiro replaces Isco.
Another half-chance comes and goes for Madrid as Benzema fails to meet a through pass from Ronaldo on the edge of the box. Valencia have just started to drop deeper and deeper into their half, which is inviting pressure. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals at the Bernabeu this evening.
Varane meets a corner from Di Maria, but his header is high of the crossbar and Valencia have another goal kick. The home supporters are doing their best to raise their side in the latter stages, but Valencia are extremely compact in defensive areas. Little under 15 minutes of normal time remaining in the capital.
Wonderful chance for Madrid as Costa brings Bale to the ground just outside the box. Ronaldo will take...
... Ronaldo does indeed take the free kick, but Alves makes another brilliant save. Valencia survive and attempt to launch a counter with Jonas, but the Brazilian fells Marcelo just outside the Madrid box.
Another half-chance for the home side as Bale meets a cross from Carvajal, but Costa just does enough to clear for a corner. Ronaldo has a free header from the resulting set piece, but his effort is high of the bar.
BOOKING! Brazilian goalkeeper Alves is booked for Valencia for time-wasting.
More frustration for the home side as two counter-attacks break down in quick succession. Los Blancos are attempting to force it and Valencia are just dealing with the danger. Morata is imminent for Madrid.
SUB! Madrid make their third and final change as Morata replaces Benzema.
Morata is immediately involved for the home side as he drives to the edge of the Valencia box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Time is starting to run out for the capital outfit here.
Another attack comes and goes for the home side as Bale attempts to meet a cross from Marcelo, but Costa is on hand to make a last-ditch clearance. Valencia break down the other end with Feghouli, but the midfielder is penalised for handball. Little over three minutes of normal time remaining and Madrid have a corner.
Alves collects another cross from Ramos and Valencia slow the match once more. Little over one minute of normal time remaining and the away side are preparing to make another change. More time wasted.
SUB! Vezo replaces the injured Parejo for Valencia.
Another half-chance for the home side as Bale meets a cross from Carvajal, but his header drops wide of the post. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional five minutes at the Bernabeu.
Ramos has been pushed into a forward area for Madrid, while Casemiro is also being used as a striker in the final stages. At the moment, however, the home side cannot get the ball, with Valencia keeping possession.
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-2 Valencia (Ronaldo)
Los Blancos level in stoppage time as Ronaldo produces a sensational and almost impossible finish as he flicks one into the back of the net. Can the home side now win it? What a finish.
BOOKING! Feghouli is booked for Valencia following an altercation with Di Maria.
CHANCE! Sensational chance for Ronaldo as the Portuguese meets a cross from Di Maria, but his header is wide of the post. What an opportunity.
SUB! Another change for Valencia as Barragan replaces Vargas.
CHANCE! OH MY WORD WHAT A CHANCE! Incredible opportunity for Morata to win it as the Spaniard meets a low cross from Di Maria, but his effort is into the side netting.
FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 2-2 Valencia
Well - that was some match. Madrid twice come from behind to secure a point in a 2-2 draw with Valencia. They are now five points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who have played a game more, and two behind second-place Barcelona, who have also played one game more than Los Blancos. What an evening in the capital. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
