Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane hailed an “important result” and performance after his team’s much-needed 4-1 La Liga win at Valencia on Saturday afternoon, pointing out especially the “personality” the team had shown after recent setbacks.
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In the first European Cup final to be contested by two clubs from the same nation, Real dominated their compatriots with a Fernando Morientes header, Steve McManaman’s volley and a late Raul third sending Los Che packing.
Valencia kept pressing, and deservedly got one back when Santi Mina headed in Dani Parejo’s corner.
Toni Kroos scored Real Madrid’s fourth goal, a minute before the final whistle, after a lovely combination with Mateo Kovačićto end the game 4-1.
The pressure has been gradually building on Zidane following a poor 2017-18 to date, which reached a low on Wednesday night with defeat to Leganes in the last eight of the Copa del Rey.
The first ten minutes of the game were tense exchanges and there were signs of nervousness in Los Blancos’ play as Valencia looked assured in possession. The away side have a significant early lead at the Mestalla.
A statement Real win could have been very different had Daniel Parejo converted a golden chance at 2-1 in the second half.
Zidane also shrugged off Karim Benzema’s frustrated reaction to being substituted in the second half, adding: “Everyone is annoyed when they get replaced, but what matters is the result and Karim is happy”. Real were rewarded for their clinical counter.
Valencia took a cautious approach to start the match, and Neto had to make a first important stop after just seven minutes as Gareth Bale nearly took advantage of some poor communication between Neto and Ezequiel Garay. Benzema goes down inside the box and the referee points to the spot again.
But Ronaldo has pledged his future to the Blancos – read the full quotes right here on Goal! Real Madrid could win every single game until the end of the season, and they would still depend heavily on what other teams could do.
Marcelo secured the three points with minutes to play, combining with Marco Asensio before beating Neto with a smart finish.
Toni Kroos chose to rub salt into the Valencia wounds as the German drilled a low effort into the bottom corner, leaving Neto with no chance.
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Valencia, so impressive in La Liga under Marcelino Garcia Toral this season, threw everything at Real and Madrid were holding on for dear life at times, with goalkeeper Keylor Navas in inspired form to keep the home side at bay.
