Valencia vs Real Madrid as it happened: Los Che earn brilliant win over La Liga leaders

Re-live updates from the Mestalla Stadium

Cristiano Ronaldo and co were shocked by two quickfire first-half goals by the hosts (Getty)

Real Madrid can go four points clear at the top of La Liga with a win against struggling Valencia at the Mestalla on Wednesday night.

Rivals Barcelona currently sit one point behind Zinedine Zidane’s men but with two extra games in hand, Real have the chance to reconsolidate their grasp on the league.

Gareth Bale made a scoring return to the side in Saturday's win over Espanyol, but the Wales international is only named among the substitutes.

Valencia, meanwhile, start Simone Zaza up front, after the former West Ham United striker scored against Athletic Bilbao at the weekend.

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What time is kick-off?

The match gets under way at 5.45pm GMT on Wednesday 22 February.

Where is it?

Today's La Liga clash takes place at the Mestalla Stadium.

Where can I watch it?

Sky Sports 1 will be providing coverage. Alternatively, follow live updates from our blog.

[22 February 2017 17:21 · Samuel Lovett]

Good evening and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of tonight's La Liga clash between league leaders Real Madrid and struggling Valencia.

Team news to follow shortly...

[22 February 2017 17:24 · Samuel Lovett]

As promised, here are the line-ups!

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[22 February 2017 17:30 · Samuel Lovett]

So Gareth Bale has missed out on a starting spot, despite scoring on his return in Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Espanyol last weekend. James, on the other hand, makes a rare start under Zinedine Zidane. The perfect opportunity to prove his worth against a side such as Valencia.

[22 February 2017 17:37 · Samuel Lovett]

As for the home side, boss Salvador Gonzalez Marco will be buoyed by Valencia's recent defensive displays, with four points taken from their last six games that has subsequently seen the club edge clearer of the relegation spot.

Indeed, after nine months without keeping a clean sheet in La Liga, Valencia now have three in their last five. Not perfect but progress at least. But can they stand strong against Real today? Don't bet on it...

[22 February 2017 17:43 · Samuel Lovett]

Three minutes until kick-off! The players are in the tunnel, game faces on, ready the music...

[22 February 2017 17:46 · Samuel Lovett]

1 min: ​And that's kick-off! Hold onto your hats folks, we're under way!

[22 February 2017 17:48 · Samuel Lovett]

2 min: Benzema is slotted in behind the Valencia defence down the left flank but the home side recover in time to block the Frenchman's cross and force a corner. Sharp start from the visitors.

[22 February 2017 17:50 · Samuel Lovett]

GOAL! Valencia 1-0 Real Madrid (Zaza, 4 min):

Zaza receives a crossed delivery inside the Real Madrid box and with Varane on his shoulder, brings the ball down off his chest. It bounces perfectly in front of him as he spins on a sixpence to fire the ball around the outstretched Keylor and into the top left corner of the Real Madrid net. Pure class.

[22 February 2017 17:54 · Samuel Lovett]

GOAL! Valencia 2-0 Real Madrid (8 min, Orellana)

Wow. What a start for the home side. Catching Real Madrid on the break, Valencia stormed into their opponents' final third where Nani, with a well-weighted pass along the deck, played Orellana in behind the Madrid and through on goal. With only Keylor to beat, the midfielder took his chance, nut-megging the 'keeper to find the back of the net.

[22 February 2017 17:59 · Samuel Lovett]

13 min: Ronaldo lashes out in frustration as he takes a weak on shot on goal from outside the Valencia box. It comes to nothing though as it makes its way into the side-netting.