Bernardo Silva pointed to Real Madrid's defensive discipline as the foundation of a 3-0 win at Valencia on Sunday, a result that gave Jose Mourinho's side an eighth consecutive victory in all competitions, according to Goal.com. The Portuguese midfielder played 84 minutes at Mestalla and called the performance an important step in the club's pursuit of both the Liga title and progress in the Champions League.
Goal.com reports that Madrid sits second in the Liga table on 30 points, level with leaders Barcelona, who were due to play their 12th match of the campaign against Atletico Madrid. The result at Mestalla extended a run that began after the club's last dropped points, in the Madrid Derby against Atletico in late September.
Why it matters
Eight straight wins have moved Madrid into a share of the league lead and, in Silva's view, into a stronger position to compete on two fronts. Goal.com quotes the midfielder saying the streak leaves the team better placed to challenge for La Liga and to finish among the top eight in the Champions League.
Silva framed the run around defensive work rather than attacking flourish. According to Goal.com, he said sides that defend best are always ready to win matches and titles, and that this quality brings the club closer to winning games and championships.
A physical night at Mestalla
Silva did not describe the win as straightforward. Speaking on the club's official website, as reported by Goal.com, he said the match was difficult in a demanding atmosphere against an aggressive opponent, and that the referee let the game flow in a way that made things harder for the visitors.
He credited a stunning goal from Fede Valverde with helping Madrid settle into the contest. From that point, Silva said, the team kept control, stayed organized and handled Valencia's transitions well, while the defenders won the ball back quickly with aggressive pressing. He added that the squad was pleased to take another three points.
Goal.com reports that Silva was a central figure in the midfield during his 84 minutes on the pitch, part of an impressive individual display in the heart of the game.
The win over Valencia follows the pattern of the streak as Silva described it: control without the ball, quick recoveries and enough quality in key moments to decide matches. His comments suggest the run is being built on structure as much as scoring, a point he returned to when discussing what the sequence means for the season.
International break, then the title race
Club football now pauses, and Silva will join Portugal for two UEFA Nations League fixtures. Goal.com reports that Portugal face Denmark on November 14 before closing the window against Wales on November 17.
Silva said the mood in the dressing room and around the club is very good, and that the priority is to keep the run going once domestic action resumes. According to Goal.com, he stressed the need to focus on the next match rather than the streak itself.
Madrid's position in the table adds weight to the coming weeks. With Barcelona level on points and still to play their 12th fixture, the gap at the top could shift before Madrid next take the field. The Champions League picture matters too, with Silva identifying a top-eight finish as part of the club's aims this season.
What to watch: whether Madrid can carry the streak through the international break and whether Barcelona's game against Atletico changes the shape of the Liga table before Mourinho's side plays again.
