Real Madrid’s Spanish record 22-match winning streak ended in a 2-1 La Liga defeat at Valencia yesterday with Nicolas Otamendi heading in the second-half winner.

Real took the lead after Alvaro Negredo handled a Toni Kroos free-kick in the penalty area and Cristiano Ronaldo coolly placed the spot-kick into the corner with 14 minutes played.

An Andres Gomes shot deflected off Dani Carvajal and hit a post in first-half stoppage time as Valencia battled back and Antonio Barragan then had a shot deflected in off Pepe in the 52nd before Otamendi nodded home a corner after 65 minutes.

“We have to give credit to Valencia. It’s sad that we have dropped three points and our run has come to an end but the league is long,” Real defender Sergio Ramos told reporters.

“Before we didn’t say that we had it won and in no way are we now going to say we have lost the league.

“Valencia played their way and did very well. They packed players in the middle of the pitch and took the points.”

Results: Getafe vs Rayo Vallecano 1-2; Valencia vs Real Madrid 2-1; Espanyol vs Eibar 1-2; Real Sociedad vs Barcelona 1-0.

Leading standings: R. Madrid 39; Barcelona, A. Madrid 38; Valencia 34; Sevilla 33; Villarreal 31.

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