Judy Bellingham scored a late winner as Real Madrid completed a remarkable turnaround with a 2-1 win over Valencia.
Down to 10 men after Vinicius Junior's red card, Real Madrid's tenacity paid off as they dramatically overturned a first-half deficit.
In the 27th minute, Valencia took the lead.
Thierry Correia found space on the right and squared the ball to Javi Guerra before Thibaut Courtois saved the first goal.
Hugo Duro was quickest to react to slot home the rebound, giving the home side a deserved 1-0 lead.
Ancelotti's Madrid side struggled early on and Valencia looked more dangerous on the break.
The visitors had the best chance of the half after Federico Valverde's powerful effort against Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.
🏁 @valenciacf_en 1-2 @realmadridden
⚽ 27′ Hugo Duro
⚽ 85' @lukamodric 10
⚽ 90'+5' @BellinghamJude#Valencia Real Madrid | @Emirates pic.twitter.com/rOkM4NtxKq— Real Madrid CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 3 2025
Despite gaining possession, Madrid trailed in the final third with a lack of sharpness.
Los Blancos came out with better intent in the second half, but their frustration grew as chances went begging.
A penalty awarded in the 53rd minute was a lifeline when Kylian Mbappe was brought down in the box. But Bellingham's penalty tied Valencia.
Vinicius Jr. in the 79th minute after a VAR review. was sacked and Madrid's task became more difficult.
The Brazilian collided with Dmitrievsky and pushed the goalkeeper in the face after knocking him down. With Madrid down to 10 men, time and ideas seem to be running out.
Madrid equalized in the 85th minute. Jude Bellingham, key throughout the game, perfectly timed the ball to Luka Modric.
Dimitrievsky was able to equalize 1-1 after being substituted for Croatia.
A goal back to revive Madrid and Valencia, who had sat back for much of the second half, faced heavy pressure in the final minutes.
The match seemed destined for a draw. Bellingham capitalized on a defensive error in the fifth minute of overtime.
Hugo Guillamon's rebound left Dimitrievski stranded and Bellingham raced onto the ball, calmly turning the ball into the bottom corner.
Mestalla fell silent as the teenager celebrated what proved to be the winning goal.