Real Madrid trips to Mestalla are rarely straightforward, and while the 2–0 scoreline suggests control, plenty of drama unfolded away from the goals. From sideline tension involving Kylian Mbappé to ugly scenes in the stands and a remarkably youthful defensive performance, here are a few moments from Sunday night that flew under the radar.
Mbappé’s Heated Exchange with the Officials
Kylian Mbappé was visibly frustrated with the officiating, particularly over an offside decision late in the first half. According to footage broadcast by DAZN, the French forward confronted the fourth official as players were heading down the tunnel at halftime, demanding clarification.
Mbappé questioned how the play could possibly be offside and asked for an explanation. The official responded by saying the call was determined by the broadcast camera angle and suggested discussing it inside the stadium. Mbappé agreed, insisting he wanted clarity because the decision made no sense to him.
However, the explanation never came. As players prepared to return for the second half, Mbappé once again approached the fourth official, clearly irritated that he had been brushed off. He complained that he had been asked to speak inside, only to be ignored entirely. Realizing the conversation was going nowhere, Mbappé turned to Eduardo Camavinga nearby and muttered his verdict on the refereeing crew, calling them “clowns.”
Ugly Scenes in the Stands at Mestalla
As has become increasingly common in recent visits to Mestalla, the tension wasn’t limited to the pitch. Movistar cameras captured an unsettling incident involving a Real Madrid supporter seated among Valencia fans during the second half.
The fan, wearing a Madrid scarf, was confronted by several local supporters. During the altercation, his scarf was taken from him and tossed into the air. When he climbed down to retrieve it, another Valencia fan aggressively snatched it away again, while others nearby appeared to scold the aggressor.
The situation escalated as the Madrid supporter was escorted away by police. From above, another individual leaned over the railing, attempted to strike him, and ultimately spat in his direction — all clearly visible on the broadcast.
This was not the only disturbing moment involving the crowd. Later in the match, when referee Alberola Rojas paused play so a spectator could receive medical attention, sections of the Mestalla crowd broke into chants of “Mbappé, son of a bitch,” further highlighting the toxic atmosphere.
Mbappé would have the final word on the night, though. On his first visit to Mestalla, after being kept quiet for much of the game, he sealed Madrid’s win with a late goal in stoppage time.
A Back Line Held Together by Kids
Lost amid the noise and controversy was one of the most impressive aspects of Madrid’s performance: a defense built almost entirely on youth.
With injuries piling up and several senior defenders unavailable or not fully fit, Raúl González Blanco and Álvaro Arbeloa (via squad circumstances) were forced into fielding an extraordinarily young back four. David Jiménez (21), Raúl Asensio (22), Dean Huijsen (20), and Álvaro Carreras (22) started together, giving the defense an average age of just over 21 years. All were Spanish, and all but Huijsen came through the club’s academy system.
It was a lineup more reminiscent of Castilla than a La Liga clash at Mestalla. With no Rüdiger, Alaba, Carvajal, Mendy, Militão, or Fran García available, Madrid’s defensive average age dipped below 22 — a staggering number for a league match of this magnitude.
And yet, the young back line barely put a foot wrong. Valencia were largely kept at arm’s length, Thibaut Courtois enjoyed one of his quietest nights in recent memory, and Madrid walked away with a clean sheet from one of the league’s most hostile venues.
Given the circumstances, the result was impressive. Given the age of the players tasked with seeing it through, it was even more so.