LaLiga: Vinícius misses penalty as Real Madrid suffer defeat at home to Valencia

Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 home loss to Valencia on Saturday, with Vinícius Júnior missing a penalty and conceding an injury-time goal, putting the defending champion behind in the La Liga title race.

Hugo Duro came off Valencia’s bench and headed home the winner that silenced Santiago Bernabeu Stadium deep in stoppage time.

Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili saved Vinícius’ early penalty and moments later Mouctar Diakhaby headed the visitors in front in the 17th minute.

Vinícius scored from close range to equalize in the 50th, but Mamardashvili and the defense held on until Duro struck and gave Valencia its first away win of the season.

Barcelona, leading Madrid by three points, could capitalize on its closest rival’s stumble when it hosts Real Betis later Saturday.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti defended his team’s effort, even saying that Madrid “deserved” to win the game and Vinícius’ penalty was one of the match’s “details that doomed us.”

But the Italian manager conceded that the unexpected loss was a blow to his team’s title defense.

“It is much harder now to fight for the league, but we only have one idea and that is to fight until the end because we still have a chance after this game,” Ancelotti said.