Real Madrid travelled to Valencia on Sunday looking to move five points behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid ahead of the winter break.
Angel di Maria's curling effort handed Madrid the lead after 28 minutes, but Valencia were level before the interval courtesy of a header from Pablo Piatti.
Madrid were not finished in the first period, however, as Cristiano Ronaldo headed in a Di Maria cross to leave Los Blancos 2-1 ahead at the break.
Jeremy Mathieu levelled for Valencia just past the hour mark, but Jese Rodriguez won it for the away side late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final La Liga live commentary of the evening comes from the Mestalla as Valencia welcome Real Madrid. The home side sacked Miroslav Djukic as head coach last week, with Nicolas Estevez taking temporary charge. As it stands, the former Spanish champions sit in 11th position in the table having taken 20 points from their 16 matches.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Madrid have won two of the last five, with the further three ending in draws. The corresponding fixture last season ended in a 5-0 Madrid win, but Valencia did hold the capital outfit to a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu in August 2012. Madrid also overcame Valencia on their way to the final of the Copa del Rey last season.
Madrid currently sit third in the table, some eight points behind Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, which makes this match a must-win for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Los Blancos were held to a 2-2 draw at Osasuna in their last league game, but have won five of their eight games on the road, scoring 19 times in the process.
TEAMS:
VALENCIA: Guaita; Pereira, Ruiz, Mathieu, Feghouli; Parejo, Romeu; Bernat, Piatti, Cartabia; Jonas
REAL MADRID: Lopez; Arbeloa, Nacho, Ramos, Marcelo; Alonso, Modric; Di Maria, Isco, Ronaldo; Benzema
So there we have it. Much-changed Valencia side this evening with Fede Cartabia, Joao Pereira and Pablo Piatti all returning to the side. Madrid, meanwhile, are without the injured Gareth Bale and Pepe, meaning that Angel di Maria starts on the right. Spanish defender Nacho is also selected in defence. Right, the home side get the action underway on this mild evening in Valencia.
Valencia have had some very good news in the last couple of hours - president Amadeo Salvo has confirmed that Singapore businessman Peter Lim is prepared to clear the club of their outstanding debt, as well as finish construction on the Nou Mestalla and invest in new players. A decision from their bank Bankia will be made next month. What a boost that would be to the Spanish outfit. Click here for more details.
It must be said that the atmosphere inside the stadium is just sensational this evening. It will come as no surprise that Madrid have taken control of the possession in the opening four minutes, but Valencia have been nice and compact in defence thus far. Both sides are in need of the points this evening, but for very different reasons.
First sign of Ronaldo as the Portuguese picks up possession on the left, but he is felled by Feghouli. The resulting free kick is taken by Alonso - Ramos's header finds Di Maria on the edge of the box, but his effort is blocked. Not too much from the home side in the early exchanges of this La Liga contest at the Mestalla.
Plenty happening in the middle of the park at the moment as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. However, the referee has let the match flow in the correct areas. Ronaldo delivers a low cross into the Valencia box, but Ruiz is on hand to clear the danger. Still no real chances after eight minutes.
Half-chance for Madrid as Benzema delivers a dangerous cross into the Valencia box, but there are no takers at the far post. Where was Di Maria?! It has been a relatively low-key start to this La Liga contest with both sides just attempting to feel their way into the match. Modric delivers another cross into the Valencia box, but once more there are no takers.
Half-chance for Madrid once more as Isco drives to the edge of the Valencia box before attempting to find Ronaldo, but Mathieu is out to clear at the vital moment. Valencia are down the other end with Pereira moments later, but his cross is cleared by Ramos.
Good spell for Valencia in the last couple of moments as Fede finds some space down the left before delivering a low cross into the box, but Ramos is on hand to clear the danger. Romeu attempts to find the run of Pereira moments later, but the pass is too long. Still goalless with 15 minutes on the clock at the Mestalla.
Ramos tries his luck from distance as the defender collects a pass from Alonso before striking towards goal, but it is a comfortable save for Guaita. Benzema attempts to meet a cross from Di Maria moments later, but Ruiz clears for a corner, which Mathieu clears over his own crossbar. Good pressure from Madrid.
CHANCE! First real chance for Madrid as Benzema capitalises on a poor pass from Ruiz before finding Ronaldo outside the box, but the Portuguese drags his effort wide of the post. Poor defending from the home side, who are yet to really threaten to open the scoring at the Mestalla.
Half-chance for Valencia as Parejo strikes one from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. The opportunities are just starting to arrive as the match opens up. Just a reminder that Real currently sit eight points behind Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, who sit second and first respectively.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Ronaldo once more as the Portuguese finds some space inside the Valencia box before cutting inside Ruiz, but the danger is blocked at the vital moment. High-intensity to this match with 23 minutes on the clock.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Feghouli is involved in an altercation with Ronaldo, while Jonas clashes with Ramos. In fairness to the referee, he has been quick on the scene whenever necessary and has been unwilling to award soft free kicks at the Mestalla.
Madrid threaten once more as Di Maria delivers a dangerous cross into the Valencia box, but Benzema cannot force an effort on goal under pressure from Ruiz. It falls to Modric on the edge of the box, but his effort is blocked by Mathieu. Still goalless with little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
GOAL! Valencia 0-1 Real Madrid (Di Maria)
Brilliant, just brilliant from Di Maria. The Argentine sends his side into the lead as he drives past two defenders before curling one into the far corner. Incredible effort from the winger.
Di Maria has been linked with a move to Monaco, but can Madrid afford to let him go? Madrid have another half-chance moments later as Isco dances into the box, but Mathieu is on hand to make a fine challenge. It is important that Valencia stay in the match in the next five minutes or so.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Valencia more than happy to let Madrid have possession just inside their own half. In truth, Valencia have not really threatened to test Lopez in the opening 33 minutes. As it stands, Madrid are comfortable as they continue to keep the ball.
GOAL! Valencia 1-1 Real Madrid (Piatti)
Valencia level with 34 minutes on the clock as Piatti heads a Bernat cross into the far corner. How on earth has the Argentine been allowed to beat Ramos in the air?! Perfect time for the home side to level the scores.
Piatti appeared to be the forgotten man at Valencia, but he has come up with the goods this evening. Again, poor defending from Real Madrid, which has been the case all too often this season. The home side break with Bernat moments later, but the Spaniard drags his effort wide of the post. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining at the Mestalla.
Half-chance for Madrid as Di Maria curls a speculative effort towards the top corner, but Guaita is on hand to tip over the crossbar from close range. Arbeloa has possession down the right moments later before finding Alonso, but the move breaks down outside the box. End-to-end football at the moment.
GOAL! Valencia 1-2 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
Madrid regain the lead in the latter stages of the half as Ronaldo heads a sensational Di Maria cross into the back of the net. It was an impressive header from the Portuguese, but the delivery from Di Maria was just incredible.
Replays have shown that Ronaldo might have been in an offside position when the ball was played. It was incredibly close. Nacho picks up the first yellow card of the evening moments later for a poor challenge on Fede. The resulting set piece is delivered into the Madrid box, but the danger is cleared.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Valencia to level for the second time as Jonas turns inside the Madrid box, but the Brazilian can only drag his effort wide of the post. Again, suspect defending from the Madrid back four.
HALF TIME: Valencia 1-2 Real Madrid
So there we have it. Angel di Maria's curling effort handed Madrid the lead after 28 minutes, but Valencia were level after 34 minutes courtesy of a header from Pablo Piatti. Madrid were not finished in the first period, however, as Cristiano Ronaldo headed in a Di Maria cross to leave Los Blancos 2-1 ahead at the break. It has been an enthralling half of football at the Mestalla.
STATISTICS: Madrid have dominated the possession with 72%, while they have had seven attempts to Valencia's four. The home side have also managed just one shot on target, which brought their only goal of the half. In truth, Madrid deserve to be leading at this stage of proceedings due to their superior football in the final third.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a wealth of talent on their bench in the shape of Ever Banega, Paco Alcacer, Guardado and Sergio Canales. Meanwhile, Madrid, who have a number of injuries, have the likes of Jese Rodriguez, Alvaro Morata and Casemiro in reserve. They are, however, without the injured Gareth Bale.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Madrid would move five points behind Atletico Madrid and Barcelona ahead of the winter break. No changes for either side at the interval as the away side get the second 45 minutes of football underway.
You just get the feeling that Valencia need to score the next goal if they are to take something from this match. A third for Madrid would make it extremely difficult for the home side to respond. Not too much to report in the early stages of the second period as both sides attempt to gain a foothold in the match.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with the challenges arriving from both sides. Just the one player - Nacho - has been booked thus far. It must be said that there is a sensational noise inside the stadium this evening. Another goal for Valencia would surely raise the roof.
It's really smart work from Jonas as the Valencia forward turns and strikes in one movement on the edge of the Madrid box, but his effort is deflected behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered towards the near post, but Nacho clears, before Fede fires one high and wide of the crossbar.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Madrid prepared to keep hold of the possession. However, you just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals this evening. A deep cross from Fede threatens Madrid once more, but Feghouli cannot muscle past Marcelo.
Another wonderful free kick from Di Maria causes all sorts of problems inside the Valencia box, but Romeu is on hand to clear under pressure from Ronaldo. The resulting corner is delivered by Di Maria, but this time Mathieu clears. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining at the Mestalla.
CHANCE! Wonderful football from Madrid outside the Valencia box as Marcelo and Ronaldo combine before Benzema takes on a chance outside the box, but his effort is just wide of the post. Valencia break down the other end moments later with Bernat, but his low cross is collected by Bernat.
It's good work from Bernat as the Valencia midfielder drives past two defenders before finding Piatti, but his cross is blocked by Ramos. Valencia make their first change of the evening moments later as Sergio Canales replaces Fede, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening.
GOAL! Valencia 2-2 Real Madrid (Mathieu)
Valencia level the scores just past the hour mark as Mathieu beats Ramos in the air before directing his header into the top corner. What a time to score your first league goal of the season.
Arbeloa becomes the latest player to enter the book for a late challenge on Canales in the middle of the park. The home supporters are in fine voice at the moment as their side commits numbers forward with every attack. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining at the Mestalla.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Valencia to take the lead as Jonas is first to a loose save from Lopez, but he cannot find a finish at the vital moment. Madrid need to dig extremely deep here as they battle for the three points to keep their title challenge alive. Di Maria has a half-chance from close range, but his effort is straight at Guaita.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with neither side too interested in defending. Valencia are busy in the middle of the park as they continue to force Modric and Alonso into backward passes. It would not be a surprise if both managers were thinking about changes at this stage of proceedings.
Ronaldo thinks he has a clear run on goal as he advances into the Valencia box, but the offside flag is raised at the vital moment. You just get the feeling that there is one more goal in this match. Feghouli finds some space inside the Madrid box, but Marcelo is on hand to make a fine challenge at the vital moment.
Madrid make their first change of the match as Spanish forward Jese Rodriguez replaces Isco, who has struggled to influence proceedings in the second period. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Madrid have taken control of the possession once more.
Half-chance for Canales as the Valencia midfielder finds some space outside the box, but his low effort is saved by Lopez. The home side threaten once more with a cross from Feghouli, but Nacho clears. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining as another low cross from Di Maria is cleared by the impressive Mathieu.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Valencia as Jonas finds some space inside the Madrid box before fronting up Ramos, but the Brazilian drags his effort wide of the post. Madrid break down the other end with Jese, but his cross is straight into the stands. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
Madrid continue to dominate the possession, but they just cannot find a way through this Valencia defence. The home side remain a break on the counter as Jonas finds Canales inside the area, but Ramos makes the clearance. Madrid make their second change moments later as Carvajal replaces Arbeloa, while Piatti is replaced by Guardado for Valencia.
Half-chance for Madrid as Carvajal delivers a dangerous cross into the Valencia box, but Ronaldo cannot grow that extra inch to make contact at the far post. Jese finds Carvajal once more moments later, but Ruiz clears.
GOAL! Valencia 2-3 Real Madrid (Jese)
Madrid take the lead after 82 minutes as Jese's low effort finds the bottom corner. It looks to be a mistake from Guaita, who perhaps should have made the save.
Penalty shout for Ronaldo as the Portuguese goes down inside the Valencia box, but the referee is not interested. Mathieu did not get the ball that is for certain. Can Madrid hold on for what would be a vital three points? Third and final change for Valencia as Banega replaces Parejo.
Madrid make their third and final change of the evening as the tired Di Maria is replaced by Illarramendi for the final couple of moments. It does appear that Madrid will close this one out for a vital three points. However, Valencia will feel that they can still force the issue in the latter stages.
Half-chance for Valencia as Jonas meets a cross from Pereira, but Lopez is on hand to make the save. It is the Madrid supporters that are making the noise as we enter the final minute of normal time. Is there to be late drama here? Valencia continue to deliver high balls into the Madrid box.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Valencia continue to deliver high balls into the Madrid box, but the danger is cleared on each occasion. Jese breaks forward for the away side moments later, but Mathieu is across to make a fine challenge.
FULL TIME: Valencia 2-3 Real Madrid
So there we have it. Madrid move five points behind leaders Barcelona with a 3-2 win over Valencia, who remain in 11th position. It has been some weekend of football in Spain's top division. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
