Alvaro Carreras, the Real Madrid defender, scored the opening goal in a 2-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla Stadium on February 8, 2026, according to reports from Goal and Depor.
The goal, scored in the 65th minute, came as Carreras “slalomed through the Valencia defence before finishing with his weaker foot,” Goal reported. It was Carreras’s second goal against Valencia this season. The match, described as a “tricky Sunday night fixture” by Goal, saw Real Madrid struggle to break down a resilient Valencia side, particularly in the first half where they were hampered by the suspension of Vinicius Jr.
Despite a relatively quiet first half for Madrid, Kylian Mbappe had several opportunities, but was initially denied by Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski. Valencia themselves came close to equalizing shortly after Carreras’s goal, with Filip Ugrinic hitting the post, Goal noted.
Mbappe ultimately secured the win for Real Madrid in stoppage time, capitalizing on a breakaway after Valencia committed too many players forward. Brahim Diaz provided the assist, squaring the ball for Mbappe to score. The victory was a “welcome three points” for Real Madrid, according to Goal, as they aim to regain momentum in La Liga after a recent slump.
Carreras’s performance earned him high praise, with Goal rating him an 8/10, highlighting his goal and overall contribution. Thibaut Courtois and Dean Huijsen both received ratings of 7/10, while David Jimenez and Raul Asencio were each given 6/10. Carreras celebrated the win as “a dream night for me and the team” following a similar victory in November 2025, as reported by Tribuna.
