Federico Valverde scored a superb long-range goal to fire Real Madrid into a 1-0 lead against Valencia in their La Liga clash at Mestalla on Saturday night.

The Uruguay international broke the deadlock in the 28th minute with an excellent strike from the edge of the penalty area, giving the visitors the advantage after a frustrating opening half-hour.

The goal came from a Real Madrid free-kick, with Kylian Mbappe initially stepping up to take the set-piece.

The Frenchman’s powerful effort struck the Valencia wall, but the rebound fell kindly to Valverde on the edge of the box.

The Madrid captain reacted brilliantly, drilling a low right-footed shot into the bottom-left corner to leave the Valencia goalkeeper beaten and silence the home supporters.

Valencia had defended well during the opening stages, frustrating the visitors and limiting their opportunities in front of goal.