BENZEMA’S LAST-MINUTE STRIKE EARNS REAL MADRID A DRAW AT VALENCIA

VALENCIA, 2019, DECEMBER 15 – Karim Benzema‘s stoppage-time strike rescued a point for Real Madrid CF as they played out a 1-1 draw with Valencia CF in Sunday’s LaLiga clash.

Carlos Soler had put the home side ahead late in the second half with a sharp finish from close range, seemingly securing all three points for Valencia. However, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a surprise contribution in the closing moments, heading the ball from a corner that forced a save and set up Benzema for the equaliser.

“Courtois coming forward for the corner showed our fighting spirit,” said Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane. “We put in a lot of effort to get something from this match. At Real Madrid, we never stop believing, and we got our reward.”

Luka Jović thought he had equalised earlier in stoppage time, but his goal was disallowed for offside. Undeterred, Madrid continued to press, with Courtois joining the attack for one final corner. His header was saved by Valencia goalkeeper Jaume Doménech, but Benzema reacted quickly to fire the ball into the net.

Valencia were denied a move up to sixth place in the table, remaining in eighth with 27 points. “We came looking for the win, but Soler’s goal punished us. In the end, this draw feels like a disappointment,” said Real captain Sergio Ramos.

Real Madrid controlled much of the first half, creating numerous chances but struggling to find a breakthrough. The draw keeps them level on points with FC Barcelona, who drew 2-2 with Real Sociedad the previous day.

Real Madrid will now turn their attention to Wednesday’s El Clasico against Barcelona, a match that was postponed from October due to political unrest in Catalonia. “We faced a strong opponent today, but this point keeps us on track with Barcelona. Now, we’re fully focused on winning the Clasico,” Ramos added.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:

GOALS:
Carlos Soler (78’); Karim Benzema (90+5’)

VALENCIA CF
Jaume Doménech, Gabriel Paulista, Ezequiel Garay, José Gayà, Jaume Costa, (Manu Vallejo 61′), Dani Parejo, Francis Coquelin (Geoffrey Kondogbia 83′), Carlos Soler, Daniel Wass, Ferrán Torres (Mouctar Diakhaby 90′), Rodrigo Moreno

Unused Substitutes: Thierry Correia, Vicente Esquerdo, Rubén Sobrino, Cristian Rivero

REAL MADRID CF
Thibaut Courtois, Sergio Ramos, Raphaël Varane, Nacho, Dani Carvajal, Federico Valverde,
Toni Kroos, Luka Modrić (Luka Jović 81′), Karim Benzema, Isco (Gareth Bale 69′), Rodrygo (Vinícius Júnior 69′)

Unused Substitutes: Álvaro Odriozola, Éder Militão, Alphonse Areola, Casemiro

STADIUM: Mestalla (44,265)

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