Mbappe scores again as Real Madrid cruise past 10-man Valencia

Real Madrid moved level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona after a convincing 3-0 win at 10-man Valencia on Saturday evening.

Kylian Mbappe scored for the seventh match running as Jose Mourinho's side stretched their winning run to eight games in all competitions. Federico Valverde and Arda Guler struck in the first half, while Mbappe added the third after the break.

The visitors, missing winger Vinicius Junior through suspension, dominated large spells at Mestalla. Valencia's Guido Rodriguez had an early goal ruled out for offside, and Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a smart save to deny Aaron Mayol before the away side took control.

Valverde drilled Madrid ahead from outside the penalty area after Mbappe's free kick was blocked, and Guler soon doubled the lead when Jude Bellingham's cross fell kindly into his path.

Real continued to push after half-time, with goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski denying Guler, Mbappe and Bellingham in quick succession. Mbappe eventually found the net by racing onto Guler's through ball, rounding Dimitrievski and squeezing the ball home for his 13th league goal of the campaign.

Valencia's frustration grew late on, and Jose Gaya was sent off with about 10 minutes remaining for a late sliding challenge on Mbappe.

Before the match, players and fans paid tribute to Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died earlier in the week.

Barcelona, who were beaten by Real in the Clasico last month, visit Atletico Madrid on Sunday aiming to restore their lead at the top.

Elsewhere in La Liga, Espanyol drew 0-0 with Deportivo La Coruna, Osasuna drew 1-1 with Athletic Bilbao, and Racing Santander beat Malaga 2-1.