Real Madrid End 13‑Year Clean Sheet Drought at Mestalla!

Real Madrid End 13‑Year Clean Sheet Drought at Mestalla!

Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi | Sele Media Africa Journalist

Real Madrid produced a landmark defensive performance on Sunday night, securing a 2‑0 victory away at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium and in the process kept a clean sheet at the venue for the first time in 13 years.
The La Liga clash, part of Matchday 23 of the Spanish top flight, saw the Blancos grind out a hard‑fought win over a struggling Valencia side. Álvaro Carreras broke the deadlock in the 65th minute with a finely taken goal, and French superstar Kylian Mbappé sealed the result deep into stoppage time to make it 2‑0.
This defensive achievement Madrid’s first shutout at Mestalla since January 2013 ends a long drought for the club at one of La Liga’s trickiest away grounds. Prior to this game, Real Madrid had conceded in every visit there for 13 years, making this clean sheet a significant milestone in their recent history.
Valencia, historically a challenging opponent at home, offered few clear chances, with Real Madrid’s back line and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois rarely called into serious action. The result ensures Madrid remain firmly in the title race, maintaining pressure on La Liga leaders FC Barcelona.
Head coach Álvaro Arbeloa praised his team’s defensive discipline and mental strength after the match, acknowledging the challenge that playing at the Mestalla always presents.
With this clean sheet and victory, Real Madrid not only boost their league credentials but also rewrite a small piece of club history at an iconic but historically difficult away venue.

Citations:
1.Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/47682l087008069/posts/1566451454891688

2.Reuters match report
https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/real-madrid-beat-valencia-stay-barcelonas-heels-2026-02-08/

3.Managing Madrid
https://www.managingmadrid.com/coach/103807/alvaro-arbeloa-if-anyone-can-surpass-cristiano-its-kylian

About The Author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

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Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

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