Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Carreras moved Real Madrid level with Barcelona in the La Liga standings.

Real Madrid beat Valencia 2-0 on Sunday to move within a point of La Liga leaders Barcelona, ​​with second-half goals from Alvaro Carreras and Kylian Mbappe capping a largely uneventful game.

Real Madrid dominated possession but struggled to create chances, with Valencia goalkeeper Stoor Dimitrievski rarely taking action as the visitors struggled to convert possession into a threat.

It wasn’t until the 65th minute that Carreras broke the deadlock, and Mbappe pulled a goal back in stoppage time.

Barcelona leads with 58 points and Real Madrid is second with 57 points. Valencia is ranked 17th, one point above the relegation zone.

Mbappe’s sporadic runs on the left provide the team with the main outlet, but the openings are limited.

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa was forced to improvise, missing suspended winger Vinicius and the injured trio – Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Ed Militao.

The absence opened the door for academy players Raul Asensio, David Jimenez and Gonzalo Garcia to start, with Mbappe providing the only spark for a hopeless Real Madrid side.

Defender Carreras broke the deadlock with a stroke of luck.

Carreras made an ambitious dash into the penalty area and was intercepted by a Valencia defender, but his attempt to clear the ball bounced off him and unexpectedly fell to his feet.

The 22-year-old reacted fastest and hit a low shot into the lower left corner.

Valencia had no response and Real Madrid sealed the points in stoppage time. Substitute Brahim Diaz launched a counterattack from the left and passed a low cross to Mbappe, who fired in a close-range shot for the first time.

It was the French striker’s 23rd league goal, taking him eight goals clear at the top of the scoring charts.

“Playing in Valencia is like going to the dentist,” Arbeloa told reporters.

“We knew how difficult this game would be and how demanding it would be on them. It was a very serious and committed game. I’m very happy.

“We can certainly improve our game in terms of talent. We have a lot of room for improvement. But a team is built on solidity and commitment. (Thibaud) Courtois didn’t make any saves today. Dedication, commitment, sacrifice. Madrid showed those values ​​again today.”

Elsewhere on Sunday, Atletico Madrid fell further into the title race after losing 1-0 at home to Real Betis.

Anthony’s powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 28th minute gave Manuel Pellegrini’s side a valuable victory and paved the way for their bid for European qualification.

Atletico are third in the table with 45 points, three ahead of fourth-placed Villarreal, who have two games remaining. Betis ranked fifth with 38 points.