Real Madrid struggled to cut open Valencia's deep defense, but if Madridistas needed to be reminded of the value of Luka Modric, the Croatian gave them just that with just a few minutes remaining.
Carlo Ancelotti's side tried it all in the second half, but without reward. Jude Bellingham hit the inside of the post with a penalty that Kylian Mbappe won early in the second period. The England star then tried to turn provider for Mbappe, but the Frenchman's excellent finish was disallowed for minimal offside.
After Vinicius Junior was sent off, it looked like their hopes were dashed, but Modric came in (in place of Dani Ceballos). It was another substitute who set up the goal, with Brahim Diaz winning the ball high again before feeding Bellingham. This time his assist was converted without any reservation by Modric, who grabbed the equalizer with just five minutes to go.
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