Valencia – Real Madrid: Ten Man Madrid Move Top Of The Table (2-1)

Valencia, who have been down in the dumps, wanted to welcome their new leader with a feisty display to rattle the reigning champions. A renewal of rivalries sparked the Mestalla into life, but antics stirred a slumbering beast to strike its inevitable blow. Los Che crumbled in the final phase as the drama at the top of the table did not show signs of slowing down any time soon.

Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

The long-awaited arrival of Kylian Mbappé to the white half of the Spanish capital confirmed Real Madrid as the outstanding candidate for the crown in LaLiga. It has been an uneasy union. Just as the French forward has wilted under expectation, the rest of the team have seemed lackluster on the field. Yet, if there is one guarantee at the club, the players know how to perform when the stakes are at their highest. Having already claimed the Intercontinental Cup, it was time to take steps to more silverware.

Another giant of the Spanish scene has experienced deeper turmoil. After the opening matchday of the season, Rúben Baraja believed that Valencia would be able to build on their ninth placed finish in the previous campaign. But before the end of . . .