Valverde, Güler and Mbappé score as Real Madrid beat Valencia 3-0

Real Madrid beat Valencia 3-0 at Mestalla on Saturday, with Federico Valverde and Arda Güler establishing a two-goal half-time advantage before Kylian Mbappé completed the scoring. LaLiga's official match record confirms the three scorers and a late red card for Valencia captain José Gayà, who was dismissed after the visitors had scored their third goal.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR8y0vD-3sM

Valencia had threatened before Madrid took control of the scoreline. According to Mundo Deportivo's match report, Thibaut Courtois turned Aaron Mayol's effort behind in the 19th minute, and Guido Rodríguez subsequently had a goal ruled out for offside. Javier Aguirre had started with five defenders, leaving Madrid to build attacks while the home side looked for opportunities on the break.

Valverde opened the scoring in the 28th minute after a foul on Mbappé gave Madrid a free-kick. Mundo Deportivo reported that Mbappé's attempt struck the defensive wall and Valverde collected the rebound to score from outside the penalty area. Eight minutes later, Güler doubled the lead after Jude Bellingham's delivery from the left was diverted by a Valencia defender into his path.

Aguirre introduced Luis Rioja for Justin de Haas at the interval, but Madrid continued to create chances. LaLiga's match commentary records saves by Stole Dimitrievski from Mbappé and Bellingham during the second half. At the other end, Courtois stopped an Arnaut Danjuma effort in the 67th minute, preserving Madrid's two-goal cushion as Valencia tried to find a way back into the contest.

Güler then supplied the through ball for Mbappé's 75th-minute goal, completing a match in which the Turkish midfielder both scored and assisted. Gayà received a straight red card four minutes later following a foul on Mbappé. Madrid subsequently brought on Endrick, Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Díaz, with Dimitrievski denying Endrick from close range in added time.

Mundo Deportivo reported that the result extended Madrid's winning run to eight matches and left Valencia with nine points from 12 league games. The Guardian reported that Madrid moved level on points with Barcelona, with the leaders still to play Atlético Madrid on Sunday.