By Samuel Ekun
Real Madrid’s club record 22-match winning run was ended by Nicolas Otamendi’s fine header as Valencia came from behind to secure a famous victory.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty put Real in front, his 33rd goal of the season.
But Valencia made it 1-1 seven minutes into the second half through Antonio Barragan’s deflected shot.
But Valencia made it 1-1 seven minutes into the second half through Antonio Barragan’s deflected shot.
Otamendi then powered the ball in from a corner but Madrid stayed top of La Liga thanks to Barcelona’s 1-0 defeat to David Moyes’s Real Sociedad.
It was Real’s first defeat since they lost to city rivals and La Liga champions Atletico Madrid on 13 September.
The result lifted Valencia, beaten just once at home all season, into the Champions League places.
The result lifted Valencia, beaten just once at home all season, into the Champions League places.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s early penalty was his 26th league goal of the season
Carlo Ancelotti’s side would not have envisaged that scenario when they took an early lead through Ronaldo.
After Gareth Bale had been fouled, a free-kick from Tony Kroos was flicked on by Bale against the arm of on-loan Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side would not have envisaged that scenario when they took an early lead through Ronaldo.
After Gareth Bale had been fouled, a free-kick from Tony Kroos was flicked on by Bale against the arm of on-loan Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo.
Ronaldo converted from the spot but then missed an excellent chance to double Real’s lead when he rounded goalkeeper Diego Alves but, from a tight angle, shot into the side netting.
Valencia had five players booked in a niggly first half but struck a post through a deflected Andre Gomes shot in stoppage time.
And they were the better side in the second half, levelling when former Liverpool player Barragan scored his first league goal for the club with a shot which was diverted past Iker Casillas by defender Pepe.
And they were the better side in the second half, levelling when former Liverpool player Barragan scored his first league goal for the club with a shot which was diverted past Iker Casillas by defender Pepe.
Bale was then denied by an excellent Otamendi tackle at the other end before the Argentina international won it with a towering header with 25 minutes to go.
Negredo impressed for Valencia, who could have spared themselves some anxious late moments, notably when Isco’s close-range header was saved by Alves, had Barragan not wasted another excellent chance when he shot wide with just Casillas to beat.
Negredo impressed for Valencia, who could have spared themselves some anxious late moments, notably when Isco’s close-range header was saved by Alves, had Barragan not wasted another excellent chance when he shot wide with just Casillas to beat.
Holders Real will now be looking to bounce back against their local rivals in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie on Wednesday night, when Fernando Torres could make his first appearance since re-joining Atletico on loan.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti:
“There were important points of the match where we didn’t take our chances, but as I’ve said in football this happens. You can’t always be efficient up front.
“I don’t think it will affect the team. It has happened after 22 victories.
“The season is very long and we are well-positioned in La Liga and have a lot of competitions.
“This won’t affect us because we know all the things we have done well until now.”
“There were important points of the match where we didn’t take our chances, but as I’ve said in football this happens. You can’t always be efficient up front.
“I don’t think it will affect the team. It has happened after 22 victories.
“The season is very long and we are well-positioned in La Liga and have a lot of competitions.
“This won’t affect us because we know all the things we have done well until now.”
On-loan Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo played against his former club
Ronaldo missed an excellent chance to give Real a 2-0 lead
Antonio Barragan spent time at Liverpool earlier in his career but didn’t make a Premier League appearance
