Vinicius Jr sees red as Real Madrid slump to loss as Valencia earn huge La Liga survival boost with Diego Lopez winner

Real Madrid slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Valencia as the home side gave themselves a huge boost in their bid for La Liga survival.

Valencia started the match just two points above the bottom three after a dreadful season that has threatened to see them relegated.

Real meanwhile have also had a disappointing campaign by their standards. They gave up their Liga crown to arch-rivals Barcelona, who have been reinvigorated under Xavi Hernandez.

They are not even guaranteed second place after a resurgence from Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, who are one spot ahead of them in second spot.

A win for Valencia took them into 13th spot, and gives them a healthy chance of staying up given the number of clubs now below them.

They had Diego Lopez to thank for the win as he struck just after the half-hour mark, sliding in at the far post to put the home side in front, and they held onto their lead until full-time.

While it was Lopez’s first goal for Valencia, it may prove to be the most important no matter how many more he scores.

There was late controversy as Vinicius Jr. was sent off in injury time after appearing to catch Hugo Duro with a forearm in a melee of players.

Valencia’s next match is a trip to Mallorca on Thursday evening, while Real host Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night.