Real Madrid established a seven-point advantage atop La Liga after Kylian Mbappe's brace powered the club past Valencia at Santiago Bernabeu. The French striker converted a 19th-minute penalty after Franco Mastantuono's corner struck Cesar Tarrega's arm, then added his second goal 12 minutes later by volleying home Arda Guler's cross from the left flank. Jude Bellingham curled in a spectacular third before halftime, while Alvaro Carreras capped the scoring with an 82nd-minute strike from a narrow angle.
Vinicius Jr drew significant focus following his angry reaction to being substituted during last Sunday's El Clásico against Barcelona, when he bypassed Xabi Alonso and headed directly into the tunnel. The Brazilian forward started but saw Julen Agirrezabala stop his penalty attempt down the middle after Thierry Correia fouled Carreras. Bellingham responded one minute afterward by creating space near the box and beating the diving keeper.
Madrid secured their fourth straight domestic triumph and 10th victory across 11 matches. Villarreal sits second after defeating Rayo Vallecano 4-0 earlier on Saturday, while Barcelona could close within five points by beating eighth-place Elche on Sunday.
Vinicius Jr drew significant focus following his angry reaction to being substituted during last Sunday's El Clásico against Barcelona, when he bypassed Xabi Alonso and headed directly into the tunnel. The Brazilian forward started but saw Julen Agirrezabala stop his penalty attempt down the middle after Thierry Correia fouled Carreras. Bellingham responded one minute afterward by creating space near the box and beating the diving keeper.
Madrid secured their fourth straight domestic triumph and 10th victory across 11 matches. Villarreal sits second after defeating Rayo Vallecano 4-0 earlier on Saturday, while Barcelona could close within five points by beating eighth-place Elche on Sunday.
