Vinícius misses penalty as Real Madrid loses at home to Valencia

By Canadian Press on April 5, 2025.

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Vinícius Júnior missed a penalty and Real Madrid conceded an injury-time goal in a stunning 2-1 home loss to Valencia on Saturday as the defending champion stumbled in the La Liga title race.

Hugo Duro came off Valencia’s bench and headed home the winner that silenced Santiago Bernabeu Stadium deep in stoppage time.

Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili saved Vinícius’ early penalty and moments later Mouctar Diakhaby headed the visitors in front in the 17th minute.

Vinícius scored from close range to equalize in the 50th, but Mamardashvili and the defense held on until Duro struck and gave Valencia its first away win of the season.

Barcelona, leading Madrid by three points, could capitalize on its closest rival’s stumble when it hosts Real Betis later Saturday.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had to play third-string goalkeeper Fran González, who made his first-team debut for Madrid at age 19, because Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin were injured.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Joseph Wilson, The Associated Press

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