Real Madrid failed to take advantage of FC Barcelona’s slip up on Saturday as they were held to a 2-2 draw against Gary Neville’s Valencia side at the Mestalla on Sunday
In one of the most thrilling games of the Spanish Liga season thus far, Rafael Ben tez’s Real Madrid were pegged back twice by Valencia in an enthralling 2-2 draw. The match had everything fans could have hoped for, including a breathtaking team goal involving Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, which the Frenchman put away expertly in the 16th minute to give the away side the lead.
Fans took to social media to rave about the slick passing in the build-up to the opener — particularly the backheel pass from Bale to Ronaldo that arguably made the goal. There were plenty of other talking points too, however, with some on Twitter pointing out Real Madrid’s poor record against the big sides in Spain this season.
Los Blancos have now failed to win against FC Barcelona, Atl tico Madrid, Villarreal, Valencia and Sevilla so far this campaign, raising questions about their ability to pip Barcelona and Atl ti to the league title.
Fans also questioned Ben tez’s decision to take off Benzema with his side looking for a goal to win the game. Here are some of the best tweets from the absorbing, end-to-end draw:
Football in its most beautiful form. Unreal from Bale, Benzema, and Cristiano pic.twitter.com/coGLBiaBV4
a a? =as? (@Total_Futbol_) January 3, 2016
The backheel from Bale, the no-look pass from Cristiano, and the cool finish from Karim Benzema! THE BBC STRIKES AGAIN
a Isco Disco (@MadridistaFacts) January 3, 2016
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BBC AT ITa S PURE FINEST! WHAT A PASS FROM BALE, ANOTHER ONE FROM CRISTIANO AND WHAT A FINISH FROM BENZEMA! MASTERPIECE!
a SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) January 3, 2016
Real madrids build up play for benzema goal absolute filth!! ?Y Y??
a Navz (@navz_10) January 3, 2016
That goal was really tidy. Benzema with the finish, but Bale and Ronaldo played a massive part.
a NepentheZ (@NepentheZ) January 3, 2016
Real Madrid fans watching that wonderfully worked goal to take the lead at Valencia (Benzema). pic.twitter.com/fJOTWrF3m0
a Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) January 3, 2016
You need a goal and you take off benzema???? WawuA?uu
a Dr. A.O (@KlumzyMD) January 3, 2016
We dey find goal, look at this idiot taking Benzema out. Lol I’m done with this guy.
a Mr. Royston (@Its_Ephraim) January 3, 2016
@Benzema 8/10 great goal, best player on the pitch and the only one taken off. Was he tired ? @rafabenitezweb ? #HalaMadrid #VCFRMA #RafaOut
a Charles Monod (@CharlesMonod) January 3, 2016
Isco, James on the bench. We’re in need of a goal and you bring Vasquez and take Benzema out? How foolish and senseless can you be?
a Rumpelstiltskin (@EfoLandguard) January 3, 2016
Taking out Benzema when we needed a goal for Vasquez made me laugh out loud
a Majdridista (@MajdBayoumi) January 3, 2016
The fact is that Real Madrid under Rafa Benitez HAVE NOT WON a single big match apart from PSG at home.
a Moaiz Quraishi (@MoaizQuraishi) January 3, 2016
Real Madrid vs big teams this season. Atl tico 1-1 RM Sevilla 3-2 RM RM 0-4 Barcelona Villarreal 1-0 RM Valencia 2-2 RM #LaLiga
a Magnus Holteberg (@MagnusHolteberg) January 3, 2016
Real Madrid failing to beat Atl tico, Barcelona, Sevilla, Villarreal and now Valencia. Life isna t lashing Rayo or Espanyol every week.
a David Cartlid
Atl tico, Barcelona, Sevilla, Villarreal, now Valencia – Rafa Ben tez still hasn’t beaten a top team in La Liga as #RealMadrid coach…
a Ben Hayward (@bghayward) January 3, 2016
ge (@davidjaca) January 3, 2016
