Real Madrid went into the match looking to go top of La Liga, at least until Barcelona face Espanyol at Cornellá el Prat. The last time the hosts met Valencia Zidane's team suffered a costly defeat, which is why the French manager called back his regular players to avoid upsets at the Bernabeu.
It was, however, the visitors who almost took the lead inside the first minute of the match, with Mina hitting the post after Navas saved his first shot. The early warning from Valencia seemed to awaken the home side, but they continued to be defensively lacking, as a absence of pressure from the front men meant the team look split when Valencia surged forward.
Real Madrid saw most of the ball in the first half, but it was Valencia who enjoyed the clearest chances as they breached the Madrid defence with ease. Despite the unconvincing display, Ronaldo showed why he is first choice in front of harder-working players such as Isco, Asensio or Morata, when he rose to head Carvajal's cross past Diego Alves.
The second half, however, would see the Portuguese ace miss his third penalty against Diego Alves. The Brazilian keeper once again showed his expertise in stopping penalties when he went left to deny Ronaldo, and save his 22nd penalty in La Liga.
The hosts were playing a dangerous game as they failed to put the tie to bed, believing the job was done and just waiting for the final whistle. Aside from a Benzema strike which rattled the post, the intensity from Zidane's men was not enough to break down Valencia who were still very much alive.
It was former Real Madrid man Dani Parejo who brilliantly found the top corner from a free kick to level the match with less than ten minutes to go. And it seems Madrid only respond when they have their backs to the wall. The home side came back to life and initiated the surge forward to overturn the complicated situation they appear to thrive in.
Marcelo picked up the ball at the peak of the penalty area, cutting onto his right foot to find the far corner. The Bernabeu, accustomed to this 'Russian roulette' of sorts, breathed a huge sigh of relief as the goal meant Real Madrid go three points clear at the top of La Liga.
Real Madrid struggled with their A-team, after a midweek exhibition from the less-regulars. They looked unconvincing in all aspects of the game, but relied upon Ronaldo's punch and their affinity for late goals. Four more matches to go, and it is not a good idea to face them with such a risky approach...