VALENCIA (REUTERS) - Real Madrid's harrowing campaign continued as they fell to a ninth defeat in La Liga and their first since coach Zinedine Zidane returned as they were deservedly beaten 2-1 away by a resurgent Valencia on Wednesday (April 3).
Portugal international Goncalo Guedes fired Valencia into the lead in the 35th minute with a thumping shot from inside the area which was too powerful for Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
Madrid had played well until conceding, but lost momentum after the goal and Valencia continued to threaten into the second half, finally doubling their lead with a header by defender Ezequiel Garay from a corner in the 83rd.
Karim Benzema headed in a consolation goal for Madrid in stoppage time, shortly after Zidane's side had a penalty decision overturned after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review ruled Sergio Ramos was offside.
Madrid are stuck in third on 57 points, 13 behind La Liga leaders Barcelona and five behind city rivals Atletico Madrid.
Valencia, who have reached the Copa del Rey final and the quarter-finals of the Europa League, have Champions League qualification in their sights after climbing up to fifth in the table on 46 points, one behind fourth-placed Getafe.
The win extended their unbeaten run to 17 games in all competitions, their longest stretch without defeat in their 100-year history.
"We know that this has been a difficult year and we are working hard to make sure we come back stronger next season and I'm sure we will," Madrid midfielder Casemiro told reporters.
"We were in control for the first half then they scored and got more confident. We worked hard in the second half and tried to get back in the game but goals are what count. This defeat is difficult for us, we know we are not doing well but we must keep working."
It was Zidane's first away game since returning to the club after Santiago Solari was sacked last month, having won his first two games back against Celta Vigo and Huesca.
As he had promised ahead of the match, the Frenchman made sweeping changes from the team that had beaten Huesca, bringing back seven players including Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Navas as Isco and Gareth Bale dropped to the bench.
Madrid dominated the early stages but could not turn their possession to chances and once Valencia took the lead through Guedes they rarely looked like letting it slip.
Marcelino's side missed a gilt-edged chance to seal victory when Kevin Gameiro attempted a backheel pass towards Carlos Soler when it would have been easier to shoot at goal.
But Argentine Garay made up for his team mate's wastefulness by effectively sealing the points with a towering header from captain Dani Parejo's corner.
Ali on target as Qatar stun Japan to win first Asian Cup - Daily Times Almoez Ali scored with a spectacular overhead kick for a record ninth goal of the Asian Cup to set Qatar on their way to a first continental title with a stunning 3- 1 win over four-times champions Japan on Friday.
Ali on target as Qatar stun Japan to win first Asian Cup
Chelsea were given a fright by Slavia Prague in a 4-3 home win on Thursday that saw them to a 5-3 aggregate victory and a place in the semi-finals of the Europa League. Already 1-0 up from the
Chelsea vs Slavia Prague result, Europa League 2019 report
Liverpool will spend Christmas on top of the Premier League after goals from Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk earned them a 2-0 win at Wolves on Friday, opening up a four-point lead over second
Soccer: Liverpool seal Christmas top spot as Salah and Van
Get a report of the Paris Saint-Germain vs. Nimes 2018/19 French Ligue 1, Regular Season football match. Mbappe reaches Ligue 1 half century as PSG brush Nimes aside. play.
Soccer: Mbappe reaches half century as PSG brush Nimes aside
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's instant impact as Manchester United interim manager continued in his first home game in charge as two goals from Paul Pogba helped his team secure a 3-1 win over Huddersfield.
Paul Pogba Strikes Twice as Man Utd Win on Ole Gunnar
Apr 28, 2019 · Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk rewarded for near-perfect season with PFA Player of the Year award Save Van Dijk is only the fourth defender to claim the award in the last 40 years Credit: PA
Virgil van Dijk and Vivianne Miedema celebrate 'highest
Former Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte is the new Inter Milan manager.. Following heavy speculation, it was announced on Friday that the Italian tactician has officially replaced Luciano Spalletti in the dugout as the Nerazzurri look to challenge Juventus for the Serie A title next season.
Arsenal manager Unai Emery was fined 8,000 pounds ($10,200) on Monday but avoided a touchline ban for kicking a plastic bottle at a Brighton and Hove Albion supporter, the English Football Association (FA) said.
Arsenal's Emery fined for kicking bottle at Brighton fan
Man City ready to pounce on any Liverpool slip-ups, says Guardiola. Jesus took a stuttering run-up for his spot kick, but there was nothing hesitant in his confident finish into the bottom
Man City ready to pounce on any Liverpool slip-ups, says
Crowds flock to Argentine village to pay tribute to footballer Sala I didn't come to pay my respects to a footballer; I came to pay my respects to an exceptional man, a real warrior," said
Watch: Argentine village of Progresso to pay tribute to
Your Say; Football gifts but time ran out before they opted to sign Denis Suarez. That move ended badly with the Barcelona man failing to make a significant impact with Unai Emery deciding
Top-tier journalist Kristof Terreur: Unai Emery has been in
Jurgen Klopp has vowed that Liverpool will remain positive as they battle for the Premier League title despite a wobble that has enabled Manchester City to seize the initiative. Liverpool's destiny is no longer in their own hands after a goalless draw in Sunday's Merseyside derby allowed Pep Guardiola's City to regain top spot with a one
Liverpool staying positive despite blip, says Klopp
SOUTHAMPTON, England (REUTERS) - Southampton secured their Premier League status for another year after a thrilling 3-3 home draw with Bournemouth on Saturday (April 27) as Cardiff City slumped to
Soccer: Southampton stay up after thrilling 3-3 draw with
Football: Choupo-Moting in goal-line howler as PSG throw away chance to wrap up French title PARIS (AFP) - Paris Saint-Germain squandered the chance to clinch the French Ligue 1 title in record-equalling time on Sunday (April 7) after a 2-2 draw at home to Strasbourg, with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's incredible miss from on the goal line costing
Latest Football News & Headlines, Top Stories Today - The
Jurgen Klopp hasn't enjoyed much of an affinity with the FA Cup during his Liverpool reign. In his three seasons at Anfield the Reds haven't even reached the fifth round of the world's oldest knockout competition, let alone the bright lights of Wembley. It's been a tale of weakened teams, glaring mistakes and painful early exits.
Klopp: Players unfazed by my exit - Football - Eurosport
