Mbappe extends Real Madrid's Liga lead in Valencia rout

Kylian Mbappe netted a brace to help Real Madrid secure a convincing 4-0 victory against Valencia on Saturday, pushing their advantage to seven points at the summit of La Liga.

Jude Bellingham and Alvaro Carreras also found the net for the dominant home side, ensuring a straightforward win before their upcoming Champions League encounter with Liverpool on Tuesday.

The title holders Barcelona will face Elche at home on Sunday, aiming to narrow the deficit to five points once more.

Vinicius was positioned on the left flank in Madrid's forward line after issuing an apology for his notable frustration following his withdrawal during last weekend's Clasico triumph over Barcelona.

Manager Xabi Alonso selected what could be considered his optimal lineup, regardless of the current standings and the forthcoming trip to Anfield.

Mbappe's pair of goals combined with Bellingham's effort provided Madrid with a substantial 3-0 advantage by halftime, essentially sealing the outcome.

"We delivered an outstanding opening period, and leading 3-0 naturally allows some easing off," commented midfielder Fede Valverde to Real Madrid TV.

"We must savour playing alongside Mbappe, maximising his contributions to ensure he continues finding the target for Real Madrid.

"He is destined for greatness as one of the world's elite talents."

Valencia, currently on a six-match winless streak in the league and sitting 18th, adopted a defensive approach initially, which appeared effective in the early exchanges.

That changed when Madrid earned a spot-kick following a VAR check after Eder Militao's headed attempt struck Cesar Tarrega's arm.

Although Mbappe had failed from the penalty spot versus Barcelona the previous week, the French ace confidently deceived Valencia shot-stopper Julen Agirrezabala to open the scoring.

This marked his 12th goal in the league this campaign, solidifying his position as the competition's leading marksman.

Mbappe's 13th arrived shortly after, as Arda Guler identified the forward's run to the far post and delivered a cross for him to volley in.

Prior to kickoff, Mbappe gifted his Golden Boot award to the supporters, earned this week for being Europe's top scorer in leagues last term.

Vinicius missed a chance to extend the lead before the interval, his central penalty effort straightforwardly stopped by Agirrezabala.

Thierry Correia brought down Carreras clumsily, and Vinicius seemed to defer the kick to Mbappe, who squandered it.

Rather, Bellingham stepped up and rifled a fierce shot into the bottom corner from range.

The England star has been in excellent shape recently, netting against Juventus and Barcelona in recent outings.

Proud

Madrid controlled the second half with little drama until Carreras blasted in the fourth goal in the 82nd minute.

The Portuguese defender unleashed a shot into the upper right corner from near the edge of the box, claiming the evening's finest strike and his debut goal for the team.

Alonso had substituted Vinicius with Rodrygo moments before, met with no objections on this occasion.

Valencia's Javi Guerra came close to breaching Thibaut Courtois' shutout late in proceedings, but his effort rebounded off the upright as Madrid wrapped up a solid success.

"I'm proud, events like this occur in time, I took my chance, my role is defence," Carreras remarked.

"We maintain strong resolve when possession is lost to regain it, executing these aspects effectively."