Both Valencia and the LaLiga title race are revitalized
Mestalla celebrates
De Burgos Bengoechea blew his whistle and immediately the television cameras panned to the VIP area of Mestalla where Layhoon Chan politely clapped her team. Sitting alongside her was Fernández de Blas (Real Madrid vice president) and his reaction was less cheery. The Valencia faithful had reason for their joy, overcoming Real Madrid was a considerable step in reconciliation after what has been a turbulent campaign at the club. The home side started the game brightly, moving the ball around with purpose, secured their two goal lead and as the game wore on and as Madrid pressed and pushed, Voro's men were able to call on a reserve of mental strength and determination to hold off the assault from their rival on the night.
Zaza and Orellana
Those who arrived late due to the early kick-off will have misted the opening goals and those who were there were treated to an exquisite strike from Zaza. Both target-men for Valencia Orellana and Zaza are players who were only drafted into the club during thew winter transfer window. Valencia played like the great European side they once were, happy to soak up pressure from Real Madrid and content to launch counter attacks on the Keylor Navas manned goal much to delight of a packed stadium. Zidane's side managed to claw their way back into the contest after a mistake from Orellana allowed Marcelo to find Cristiano who nodded home for a 2-1 scoreline at the break.
Open title race
Real Madrid were determined to secure something from this game but they came up against a Valencia side who had to get something from the contest. In the second period Madrid did everything in their powers in a desperate search for the equaliser as they held Voro's side back deep inside their own half and in one rare foray into the opposition area they could have been awarded a penalty after it appeared that Carvajal fouled Zaza. In the end heroics from Valencia ensured that the three points remained at Mestalla and the result certainly goers some way in reviving the LaLiga title race.
