BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Federico Valverde continued his scoring streak with his fifth goal in three games to help Real Madrid beat Elche 4-1 in the Spanish league on Saturday. Alda Guler In the closing stages, he added a stunning goal from well inside his own half.
The Uruguayan midfielder extended Madrid’s lead to two points just before half-time with a curling right-footed shot from the edge of the area.
It was three days after Valverde scored a memorable hat-trick in the match. 3-0 victory over Manchester City In the first match of the Champions League Round of 16 fixture. Prior to that, Valverde’s late goal secured a 2-1 win against Celta Vigo in La Liga.
Valverde, 27, has been a mainstay for Madrid in recent years, with a reputation as a key player in midfield as well as being known for his powerful long-range attacks from open play and free-kicks.
However, he has improved his scoring output of late, scoring all seven of his goals this season since the start of the year, just as Madrid needed help in that department with Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham out injured.
“I’m not surprised because I know what Federico Valverde is capable of,” Madrid forward Brahim Diaz said. “It’s an honor to have him as a teammate. If he keeps shooting, I’m sure he’ll score more goals.”
In the match against Elche, Guler’s unforgettable goalHe scored Madrid’s fourth goal in the 89th minute with a successful shot from more than 10 yards inside his own half. Elche goalkeeper Matias DiTuro could only watch as the ball went over his head and into the goal.
Victory at the Santiago Bernabéu kept Madrid within one point of leaders Barcelona until they play Sevilla on Sunday.
In the 39th minute, Antonio Rudiger took the lead with a volley from a clearance from Valverde’s free kick. Dean Huyssen made it 3-0, but Madrid youth player Manuel Ángel scored an own goal.
Madrid travel to England on Tuesday to face City in the second leg, with the 15-time European Cup winners aiming to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Mbappe still has doubts about signing City
Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa said it was still doubtful whether Mbappe would feature in the second leg against City.
“We will try him tomorrow,” Arbeloa said, indicating the striker would return to team training on Monday.
Mbappe has not played since February 21 due to a left knee problem that has been bothering him since December.
Getafe sent off for 10 points for inappropriate touch
Atlético Madrid remained in a distant third place with an early goal from wing-back Nahuel Molina as they won 1-0 against 10-man Getafe.
Getafe defender Abdel Abukar was sent off with a direct red card in the 55th minute. pinch genitals Atlético’s Alexander Sorloth. Abukal said that was not his intention.
Meanwhile, bottom-placed Real Oviedo kept their hopes of avoiding relegation alive with a 1-0 win over Valencia, while Girona defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-0 at home.
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