Three takeaways from Real Madrid 1-2 Valencia | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s defeat against Valencia has sent shockwaves through their La Liga title hopes.

In what felt like a must-win match, the team fell short once again—not just on the scoreboard but in terms of performance, decision-making, and individual displays.

And as Barcelona continue to gather momentum, despite their 1-1 draw against Real Betis, Madrid may have handed over the title race unless something dramatic unfolds.

On that note, here are three major talking points from Los Blancos’ costly setback at Santiago Bernabeu.

Lack of stability and squad management is catching up

Real Madrid’s defeat to Valencia felt like more than just a bad day at the office—it was the product of months of risky decision-making, injuries, and poor squad rotation catching up with them.

Real Madrid have made one bad decision after another. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

A long season like this, with three major competitions to fight for, was never going to be forgiving.

Yet Madrid entered the campaign without Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao available for extended periods and seemingly underestimated how costly their absence would become.

Madrid’s backline against Valencia looked vulnerable and unorganised at times, with no true defensive leader taking control.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti’s strategy of using players like Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni as utility men has created more confusion than balance.

Both are naturally strong in their preferred roles, but shifting them to unfamiliar positions has disrupted their rhythm and limited their impact.

The idea that Madrid could compete across all fronts with constant tactical experimentation and makeshift formations was ambitious, if not naive.

Against a well-drilled Valencia side, the lack of tactical cohesion was evident. The team looked disjointed, slow in transition, and reactive rather than proactive—traits uncharacteristic of a side aiming to win La Liga.

Penalty-taking duties need a serious rethink

The decision to hand Vinicius Jr. the responsibility of being Real Madrid’s primary penalty taker is now under serious scrutiny.

Vinicius missed second penalty of the season. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Against Valencia, when the pressure was highest, Vinicius missed from the spot—an error that could prove decisive in the title race.

While he has evolved into one of Madrid’s most important attacking players, penalty-taking requires a different set of attributes altogether: composure, precision, and above all, mental fortitude.

This is where the absence of Kylian Mbappe becomes more evident—not just because of what he brings in open play but because he has experience handling high-stakes moments.

Mbappe, even with a couple of missed penalties this season, remains a more composed figure when it comes to converting from the spot.

He has taken penalties on the biggest stages—the World Cup, the Champions League—and that kind of experience is irreplaceable.

It is not about diminishing Vinicius’ role or confidence, but rather making informed, pragmatic decisions.

Assigning penalty duties should be based on data, performance under pressure, and technical execution, not just seniority or perceived leadership.

Real Madrid are a club that deals in fine margins, and this particular margin could be the difference between lifting the league title and finishing second.

Camavinga’s dip in form is a real concern

One of the most disappointing aspects of Madrid’s current struggles is the decline in Eduardo Camavinga’s performances.

Eduardo Camavinga’s form is worrying for Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Last season, the young Frenchman was a revelation—dynamic, press-resistant, and often the player who brought control and tempo to Madrid’s midfield, especially in high-pressure matches.

This season, however, Camavinga has looked like a shadow of himself.

Against Valencia, his introduction off the bench was meant to stabilise Madrid’s play and inject some energy into a team that was chasing the game. Instead, he looked sluggish and ineffective.

He struggled to impact the tempo, made uncharacteristic errors, and failed to connect well with his teammates.

Whether it is due to fitness issues, confidence, or being played out of position earlier in the campaign, his contributions have clearly dipped.

Camavinga’s regression puts more pressure on other midfielders like Jude Bellingham, who has often had to shoulder both creative and scoring responsibilities.

With Luka Modric winding down his legendary career and Toni Kroos no longer available, Madrid need Camavinga at his best.

His athleticism and ball-carrying ability once made him a unique weapon, but now, his lack of influence is becoming a growing weakness.

It is also worth considering whether Madrid have managed Camavinga’s development properly. He has been shuffled between left-back, defensive midfield, and central midfield.

That kind of inconsistency can unsettle even the most talented players. The coaching staff needs to reassess how to get the best out of him moving forward, especially with the pressure intensifying in the final weeks of the season.