Valencia stun Real Madrid 4-1 after a hat-trick of penalties from Soler

Carlos Soler-Valencia

A disastrous performance from Zidane’s men saw them getting thrashed in La Liga at Mestalla.

Real Madrid had a night to forget after losing 4-1 to Valencia at Mestalla, while Carlos Soler bagged a hat-trick of penalties.

Karim Benzema put the visitors ahead after a terrific goal from the edge of the box, assisted by Isco.

Valencia were awarded a penalty at the half-hour mark after a handball from Lucas Vazquez. The penalty itself was a chaotic one as Carlos Soler had his shot saved by Thibaut Courtois while hitting the post in the second attempt. Yunus Musah slotted the ball into the nets on the rebound, but it was denied by VAR when he was found encroaching before the penalty kick. Valencia were asked to retake the penalty. Soler was clinical this time as he put the ball into the nets past Courtois.

Madrid had another let-off before the halftime when Raphael Varane scored an own to give the home side a goal advantage.

Things got worse for Los Blancos in the second half when they conceded two more penalties, one for a handball on Sergio Ramos and other being a foul on Marcelo.

Soler converted both the penalties and completed his hat-trick to give Los Che an unassailable lead.

It has been the biggest defeat for Madrid in this season thus far, and the worst part is it came against Valencia side, who weren’t without a win in the previous four games.

Los Blancos looked like they were back to their best after consecutive wins against Huesca and Inter Milan, but their struggles are even deeper than everyone thinks. There is also a lot to be desired after the defeat, say Varane and Marcelo’s form, defensive woes, Zidane’s game plan and the lack of creativity.