IN SPORT.ES
The scoreline distorts events at Mestalla, but what is true is that Real Madrid’s crisis is on hold.
Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice from the penalty spot with Marcelo and Toni Kroos grabbing late goals to put gloss on what was an exciting game but not one Madrid dominated.
They started well, with Gareth Bale missing a fine chance before the bungling Martin Montoya brought down Cristiano Ronaldo in the area at the end of a lightning break.
The Portuguese dispatched his penalty, his 100th from the spot in all competitions for club and country, which was followed by the 101st before the half was out.
Again it was Montoya at fault, crashing into Karim Benzema, and Ronaldo drilled home.
Valencia pulled one back when Santi Mina headed home Dani Parejo’s corner and various other chances went begging, leaving Mestalla howling.
With Valencia committed to attacking, Madrid took advantage on the counter with Marcelo firing in the third and Toni Kroos slotting home number four in the final stages.
Madrid’s win takes them nowhere—they remain fourth, but are two points closer to Valencia in third.
RELATED STORIES
However it will serve a higher purpose if it can re-energise a side that has looked hopeless in recent months.