Real Madrid looked to be heading into Wednesday's Clasico on the back of a defeat, but Karim Benzema was their saviour once again.
Match Report
Karim Benzema rescued Real Madrid at the death with a stoppage-time equaliser that salvaged a 1-1 draw away to Valencia, but they missed the chance to go into El Clasico top of the table.
Madrid looked to be heading for a deserved defeat when Carlos Soler netted with 12 minutes to go, but Benzema smashed in from close range right at the end, meaning Los Blancos head into Wednesday's clash with bitter rivals Barcelona level on 35 points with them.
Madrid started with the greater purpose but failed to make the most of their opportunities, offering encouragement to Valencia, who threatened several times through Ferran Torres.
Much of the second half was cagier, with clear-cut chances less frequent, but Soler finished off a swift move to finally open the scoring, before Madrid avoided defeat with one of the last kicks of the game – Benzema saving Zinedine Zidane's men.
Standings
Match Events
7' Strong save from Domenech!
Valverde and Benzema play a smart one-two on the edge of the area that enables the former to drill a vicious effort at goal that Domenech superbly gets down to and parries away to safety.
14' Benzema goes close!
Madrid neatly work an overlap that allows Nacho plenty of time to pick out a cross into the box where Benzema ghosts in between two defenders to glance a header at goal from six yards, but it drifts agonisingly wide of the far post!
18' Torres almost gets Valencia the opener!
The hosts quickly kickstart a counter-attack as Parejo slips Torres in behind down the left channel, where he drives past Varane before checking back and cushioning a shot straight at Courtois from eight yards! A firmer contact could possibly have seen Torres complete a wonderful solo goal there!
20' Rodrygo with a great chance!
Benzema industriously tracks back into the midfield and roughly steals it away from Coquelin, before feeding Carvajal on the right-wing who whips in a deep cross that Rodrygo heads straight at a grateful Domenech.
46' Brilliant save from Courtois!
Madrid lose possession cheaply and Torres and Rodrigo quickly play a sharp one-two that releases the former clean through on goal! He races into the box before trying to slot a curling effort past an onrushing Courtois who reacts quickly to block the shot away for a throw-in!
78' GOAL! Valencia 1-0 Real Madrid (Soler)
Parejo switches the play out towards Wass who rushes past Nacho towards the byline before cutting back a delicate pass for the onrushing Soler to slot home from eight yards! A wonderfully-worked team goal!
95' GOAL! Valencia 1-1 Real Madrid (Benzema)
Bale swings in a corner that Courtois - who'd just charged up from the back - nods towards goal forcing a brilliant save from Domenech! However, Benzema remained alert and when Domenech's save rolled out towards him, he made no mistake and leathered the loose ball into the roof of the net!
dettaboss4l
2518
imagine if courtios scored that header😂
maddyfootballer
2148
Courtois should get the assist
Nadan7
681
La liga this season = EPL last season
LMSEN
572
Both Real Madrid amd Barcelona should stop cursing each other and accept that La Liga isnt a cakewalk anymore...
maddyfootballer
527
There was a foul on nacho in the buildup to valencia goal, jovic scored a goal in stoppage time but was offside, benzema equalises with the last kick of the game Had some drama
Rashnic/GOAT/CR7
521
It's really hard to replace Casemiro. Valverde didn't play well because that wasn't his position. Casemiro was missed today so the midfield quality wasn't there. We also need more prolific and consistent goalscorer to be able to convert all the chances. Anyway we played really well, hala Madrid
Dharmhie
472
To be honest,Courtois is back to his usual best. He is solid at the back, he saved us countless times.He deserves our accolade and respect, he has being in top form for the past 10 game weeks. I have always believed in him
Gajaak
435
Courtois saved the day for Madrid that header was beautiful and the follow up from Benzema was amazing after the save from the goalie. it was a good result for both.
Vazbcnsty
420
this is why laliga always produce a candidate for ballon dor'....you just can't take your eyes out the game for full 90 minutes n over....this can't be football, it got to be something else...call it laliga!!
condition
333
Here is the GIF, click: http://bit.ly/2rO2bi9
Mukfuchi
326
The day Captain marvel (Sergio Ramos) scored against Athletico, was the day I learnt never to give up on Real Madrid till the final whistle
BrownShakur
306
Yo imagine begin this man always Offside what a unlucky man 😕
Erickson1009
230
As expected Real Madrid never takes advantage of Barcelona's misfortune, midfield without casemiro is a big trouble. I don't know why nacho played?? And Isco is always doing his best giving the ball away.
JakePaye
185
This is what they called sportmenship. Real Madrid don't want to give the Table to FC Barcelona on the 18th of December disgracefully.
Hesskante
118
I called it yesterday
Rashnic/GOAT/CR7
11
Let real Madrid come in front of us we will show them what Liverpool can do🤣🤣🤣
Liverpool beat Real Madrid in champions league?[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh] Next joke pls