Jeremy Mathieu found the back of the net just before the break to give Valencia a 1-0 lead over Real Madrid at half time in their La Liga clash at the Bernabeu this evening.
Looking to capitalise on a slip-up by title rivals Atletico Madrid earlier, the home side made a strong start to the match as Cristiano Ronaldo was set up by Gareth Bale for a fourth-minute shot, but Diego Alves was able to deny the Portuguese striker.
The Valencia goal continued to come under pressure in the opening 10 minutes when Ronaldo crossed the ball in for Karim Benzema, but he could only head over.
The visitors eventually managed to see some of the possession, and came close the opening the scoring in the 17th minute when Daniel Parejo tried to head in from close range, but Diego Lopez managed to tip the ball into the crossbar.
Real continued to look the more likely in front of goal as the first half progressed, but Benzema and Ronaldo both missed further chances.
Their misses proved costly late on as Mathieu headed in from a Parejo corner after Lopez had been forced to tip a Sofiane Feghouli strike behind.
Sian Cowper
