Real Madrid News
Real Betis hero reveals mind game behind Mbappe penalty save in Real Madrid win: ‘Tried to throw him off a bit’
Alvaro Valles was the difference-maker as Real Betis held on to beat Real Madrid 1-0 at La Cartuja, producing a decisive stoppage-time save from Kylian Mbappe that denied the visitors an equaliser.
The goalkeeper had already put together an impressive display, but his biggest contribution came when Mbappe stepped up from the penalty spot.
Valles guessed correctly and kept out the Real Madrid forward’s effort, preserving Betis’ lead and completing a memorable night for the home side.
After the match, Valles explained that the save was not simply a matter of instinct.
Rather, Betis had done their homework on Mbappe’s recent penalties, while the goalkeeper also tried to create doubt in the striker’s mind.
“We’d analysed his penalties; he’d sent his last two wide. I tried to stay as still as possible on the side he’d decided to go for, and luckily I saved it.
“I tried to throw Mbappe off a bit by telling him it was the last minute, what a stroke of luck… and it worked,” he said, as per Mundo Deportivo.
Valles had studied Mbappe before the penalty
It appears that Valles knew Mbappe’s recent penalty record and waited for the Frenchman to make his decision before committing himself.
His intervention came at the perfect moment. With Real Madrid throwing players forward in search of a late equaliser, allowing the penalty to be converted would almost certainly have changed the ending.
Instead, Valles kept Betis ahead and helped the club claim three valuable points.
“It was very important to win to keep building our strength at home and keep picking up points here.
“We knew we were facing a tough opponent and our aim was to get a result.
“Once we’d taken the lead, we held on very well and had that bit of luck that’s often needed,” explained the goalkeeper.
Betis withstand late Real Madrid pressure
Valles was quick to emphasise that the result was not down to his penalty save alone.
Betis had to defend intensely during the closing stages as Madrid committed more players forward.
“The team did a great job; this is down to everyone, and all that’s left for me to do is congratulate my teammates because they gave their all to win,” he added.
“The final minutes were very tense and exciting; we know how dangerous Madrid are up front – they had a lot of players pushing forward – but we secured the victory by keeping a clean sheet,” he concluded.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar returns from the break in top form after stellar displays with national team
Jude Bellingham has been undisputedly one of the star performers in the UEFA Nations League so far, in this international break.
Bellingham started with a valiant effort in the defeat to Spain, before starring in the 7-0 win over Croatia. Last night, he was on fire once again, helping England secure a 3-0 victory over Czechia.
As club football resumes this weekend, it is fair to say that Bellingham will be one of the most in-form players at Real Madrid.
Bellingham on fire
Bellingham’s spectacular form has continued throughout the international break, with the midfielder registering one goal and four assists in four matches for England.
The standout display came against Croatia, where he produced a goal and three assists in the emphatic 7-0 win.
He made England history with that four-goal contribution, creating five chances and completing four dribbles while boasting a 100 percent pass accuracy.
Against Spain, he was comfortably England’s best player, assisting Anthony Gordon’s opener and leading the attacks.
In the final game against the Czech Republic, it was Harry Kane who stole the show with a brace on his record-equalling 125th cap, but Bellingham once again started as an undisputed figure in Tuchel’s side.
The Englishman has shown no signs of his form being a mirage, having rediscovered his best since being handed a free attacking role.
A key figure for Real Madrid
Bellingham’s resurgence is a hugely positive sign for Real Madrid, who have struggled for consistency this season.
Operating as a number 10 with freedom to roam, the 22-year-old has already scored three goals for the club, making him the second-highest scorer behind Kylian Mbappe, while also leading the team for assists.
His current scoring rate of one every 206 minutes is not far off his brilliant debut campaign.
That form has drawn widespread praise, with Roy Keane tipping him to become one of the greatest of all time, while Jermaine Defoe backed him to become England’s next captain.
For Jose Mourinho, having Bellingham firing on all cylinders is a massive boost. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, including El Clasico, the Englishman’s leadership and quality could prove decisive as Real Madrid look to close the gap on Barcelona.
