Real Madrid moved level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona after a comfortable 3-0 win over struggling Valencia.

Federico Valverde opened the scoring before Arda Guler doubled the visitors’ advantage, with Kylian Mbappe completing the win in the second half as Real claimed their fourth consecutive league victory.

The result leaves Real second in the table on goal difference, although Barcelona can restore their three-point advantage when they face Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Valverde and Guler put Real in control

Madrid captain Valverde broke the deadlock in the 28th minute with a precise, low drive from around 20 yards.

The midfielder collected the ball after Mbappe’s free-kick rebounded off Valencia’s defensive wall and found the bottom corner to give the visitors the lead.

Eight minutes later, Real doubled their advantage through Guler.

Jude Bellingham supplied the cutback inside the penalty area, and after the ball took a favourable deflection, the Turkish midfielder volleyed home from close range.

Real remained in control after the interval, limiting Valencia’s opportunities while continuing to threaten going forward.

Mbappe seals victory as Gaya sees red

The visitors put the result beyond doubt in the 75th minute when Guler turned provider.

The midfielder played Mbappe through on goal, allowing the French forward to round the goalkeeper and score his 13th La Liga goal of the campaign.

Valencia’s difficult evening worsened when captain Jose Gaya was sent off for a reckless challenge on Mbappe as the striker looked set to race clear on goal.

The hosts, who are struggling near the bottom of the table, remain 19th after suffering their seventh defeat in 12 league matches. They are now one point from safety.

The match also featured a moment of tribute to Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died after suffering a serious injury during a Spanish second-division fixture.

Play was paused in the ninth minute as players and supporters observed a minute’s applause in his memory.