LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Real Madrid were defeated by relegation-threatened Valencia due to a stagnant Real Madrid offensive and a costly defensive error as racism hits Mestalla.
Los Blancos lost 1-0 to Valencia, a team trying to avoid the relegation zone, as Karim Benzema struggled in front of goal and the returning Ferland Mendy made a vital error.
Madrid appeared to have nothing to play for. Although Los Blancos put together some interesting play moments in the beginning, they never produced anything substantial.
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Although they needed at least a point to move four points clear of the drop zone, Valencia contributed by cutting a well-organized unit.
When offered a unique opportunity, they discovered the net. Diego Lopez scored the opening goal in his second start of his career after Mendy dozed off at the back post.
Following the intermission, Madrid introduced Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Rodrygo to the team.
The trio found it difficult to have an influence against Valencia’s small defensive unit.
However, Vinicius Junior appeared to have been the target of apparent racist slurs during the game, which rendered their efforts useless.
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After the Brazilian winger singled out a spectator in the crowd, the referee stopped the game. A notice posted inside the stadium threatened to call off the match if the jeers persisted.
After things got out of hand, Vinicius was given a straight red card for slapping Valencia’s substitute Hugo Duro.
And after an ugly and contentious second half, the home team held on to win 1-0 after 14 minutes of added time.
