Real Madrid the unlikely catalyst in Valencia’s last two escapes | OneFootball

Valencia have twice turned Real Madrid into a lifeline during recent battles to stay up, with key wins underpinning their last two survivals. According to Superdeporte, Mestalla remains a hostile ground for Madrid, who have struggled there even against Valencia at their lowest.

In 22/23, the first of those victories came on matchday 35 at Mestalla, with Valencia only two points above the relegation zone. Rubén Baraja leaned on his youngsters and a Diego López strike sealed the result. It gave the side, for the first time, a two-game cushion over the drop.

That afternoon proved decisive in rescuing a season that had threatened to unravel, producing their best display against the least likely opponent.

After a calmer second season under Baraja, the following campaign again became a survival fight, the club equalling a record 24 consecutive matchdays in the relegation zone. Carlos Corberán arrived at Christmas and corrected the course.

By matchday 30 they were four points clear when they travelled to the Santiago Bernabéu. With a back three and despite almost two decades without an away win there, Hugo Duro struck in stoppage time to shatter the odds and make Madrid a turning point once more.

Now the Madrid fixture comes earlier in the calendar, yet carries similar weight. Valencia are in crisis and only one point above the drop, and again seek a spark from the hardest opponent.

Source: Superdeporte