Real Madrid’s harrowing campaign continued as they fell to a ninth defeat in La Liga and their first since coach Zinedine Zidane returned.
They were deservedly beaten 2-1 away by a resurgent Valencia on Wednesday.
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 Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
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Real Madrid had played well until conceding, but lost momentum after the goal and Valencia continued to threaten into the second half.
They finally doubled their lead with a header by defender Ezequiel Garay from a corner in the 83rd minute.
Karim Benzema headed in a consolation goal for Real Madrid in stoppage time.
This was shortly after Zidane’s side had a penalty kick decision overturned, after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review ruled Sergio Ramos was offside.
Real Madrid are stuck in third on 57 points, 13 behind La Liga leaders FC Barcelona and five behind city rivals Atletico Madrid.
Valencia, who have reached the Copa del Rey final and the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League, have UEFA Champions League qualification in their sights.
That was 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,” Real 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.
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“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.
He brought back seven players, including Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Navas, as Isco and Gareth Bale dropped to the bench.
Real 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 kick.(NAN)
