Valencia 2-1 Real Madrid: Simone Zaza stars as La Liga leaders lose

By Patrick Surlis

Thursday 23 February 2017 08:01, UK

Real Madrid missed the chance to go four points clear at the top of La Liga as they slipped to a surprise 2-1 defeat at Valencia on Wednesday.

Former West Ham striker Simone Zaza brilliantly opened the scoring at the Mestalla before Fabian Orellana added a second as the hosts raced into a two-goal lead inside nine minutes.

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his 700th club appearance with a powerful header on the stroke of half-time but Real could not force an equaliser despite late pressure.

The result means Zinedine Zidane's side remain one point clear of second-place Barcelona having played a game less.

Meanwhile, Valencia's second straight win eases their relegation worries, moving them 10 points clear of the drop zone.

Gareth Bale, who made a goalscoring return in the 2-0 win over Espanyol on Saturday, started from the bench as Zidane made seven changes.

But the league leaders were twice caught out on the counter attack as Valencia stormed into an early lead.

Zaza made it two goals in two games with a stunning strike on the turn from Munir El Haddadi's low cross and Orellana capped a flowing move to double Valencia's advantage five minutes later.

An injury to Nani shortly before half-time interrupted their rhythm and Real earned a foothold in the match through Ronaldo.

Marcelo delivered from the left and the Portugal captain rose between two defenders to plant a trademark header past Diego Alves.

He almost grabbed a quick-fire second in first-half added time when his effort from distance flew narrowly wide via a deflection off Eliaquim Mangala.

The Manchester City loanee, who was otherwise excellent, was fortunate to avoid conceding a penalty shortly after half-time following a collision with the Real goalscorer.

Zidane introduced Bale as the visitors stepped up the pressure but Valencia continued to threaten on the break and had two good penalty shouts waved away.

Zaza dispossessed a shaky Raphael Varane and burst through on goal, only to be barged to the ground by Dani Carvajal.

Referee Ricardo de Brugos turned down that appeal and did likewise when Sergio Ramos appeared to bring down Munir moments later.

As time ticked away, Real bypassed their midfield but excellent Valencia defending, led by Mangala and Ezequiel Garay, restricted their opportunities.

Ronaldo headed the best chance wide while an almighty goalmouth scramble broke kindly for Valencia.

The setback for Real ends a run of four consecutive matches and they face Villarreal, Las Palmas and Eibar next in La Liga, having failed to beat all three in the reverse fixtures earlier this season.

Watch Alaves v Valencia from 11.55am on Saturday on Sky Sports 3 HD via the Red Button, and Villarreal v Real Madrid from 7.30pm on Sunday on SS1 HD.