Jose Mourinho's men managed to bounce back in style from their loss in El Clasico as they managed to overcome a spirited Valencia side 2-0 at the Bernabeu. Los Blancos dominated the game for large parts against Los Che, who had David Albelda's sent off in the second half, and ultimately claimed the victory courtesy of two second half strikes by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Neither team dominated the match in the first minutes with most of the action commencing in midfield. Valencia were the first to seriously threaten to open the scoring in the 12th minute and it was ex-Real Madrid player Juan Mata who saw a dangerous shot parried by Iker Casillas, and moments later another ex-Blanco Roberto Soldado failed to power a volley past the goalkeeper under no pressure at all.
Mourinho's side slowly started to settle into the game and were beginning to grow in confidence. Sami Khedira was at the centre of the action in the 33rd minute as he burst into the penalty area, but was denied by Vicente Guaita in a one-on-one situation.
Just before half-time Ronaldo saw a clever backheel flick rebound off the left post, following a wonderful cross by Mesut Oezil, for what proved to be the last moment of interest for the first period.
Real Madrid went all guns blazing in the second half and were granted with two wonderful chances in the space of two minutes. First Ronaldo was denied by Guaita in the 47th minute and moments later substitute Angel Di Maria failed to lob the goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation.
Substitute Karim Benzema missed a glorious chance to break the deadlock around the hour mark after being released by Ronaldo as time was ticking away for Los Blancos. David Albelda was controversially sent off for a second yellow card after he allegedly handled the ball in the centre of the pitch, putting Los Che in a very difficult position.
Real Madrid eventually got the goal they deserved in the 73rd minute and it was Ronaldo who delivered the blow as the Portuguese ace finished coolly from the left side of the box, following a through pass by Oezil.
Five minutes later, however, Soldado could have drawn the game level, but saw his los whot tipped around the post by Casillas. Los Blancos were defending valiantly, but were always waiting to hit the outnumbered Valencia on the break and so it happened. Ronaldo delivered the killer blow with a wonderful individual goal to ease the pressure on Madrid.
Mourinho's men managed to hold on to their lead and deservedly recorded a 2-0 win.
Following tonight's result Real Madrid are second in the standing with 35 points, two behind Barcelona, while Valencia are fifth with 25. Los Blancos' next league game is a visit to Real Zaragoza on December 12, while Los Che host Osasuna on the same day.
