Barcelona can't fully capitalize on shock Real Madrid loss with Vinícius missed penalty

Real Madrid's shocking loss to Valencia shakes La Liga title defense as Barcelona is held by Betis.

Vinícius Júnior missed a penalty and Real Madrid conceded an injury-time goal in a stunning 2-1 home loss to Valencia that shook its La Liga title defense.

The shock result for Madrid on Saturday (April 6, 2025) was softened hours later when league leader Barcelona was held at home by Real Betis to 1-1. That meant Hansi Flick's side extended its lead to only four points over its fierce rival. There are eight rounds left including a clasico in May.

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's 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.

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 in the title race.