Defender José Gayà Declared That Mbappé’s Goal Was Just A LUCKY PLAY and Claimed that REAL Madrid Had Cheated in the Match Against Valencia

In a match that was already charged with tension, Valencia CF’s José Gayà didn’t hold back after his team’s 1-2 loss to Real Madrid at Mestalla. The Spanish defender took aim at Kylian Mbappé’s winning goal, describing it as “a lucky move” and, even more controversially, insinuating that Real Madrid had “cheated” to secure the victory.

The goal, which came in the 87th minute from Mbappé, was a stunning individual effort, one that saw him dance past two defenders and slot the ball home after a counterattack. But for Gayà, who was visibly frustrated after the match, the goal didn’t seem as impressive. He voiced his displeasure in front of Movistar+ microphones, stating:
“He was just lucky. Real Madrid doesn’t deserve this result… They did things that shouldn’t be done on a football field.”

The comments immediately set social media alight, with the clip of his rant spreading rapidly, racking up over a million views within just 20 minutes on X (formerly Twitter). What followed was a shocking and immediate response from the French forward himself, Mbappé.

Mbappé Responds with a Viral Message

Mbappé wasted no time in delivering his rebuttal. Instead of waiting for the post-match press conferences, the Frenchman took to Instagram to share his thoughts with the world. In a post that featured a photo of his winning goal, Mbappé added a caption that would soon go viral, accumulating over 12 million likes in under an hour.

“Luck is what those who don’t work need. I respect Gayà, but today work spoke louder. 💪🏾 #HalaMadrid” – he wrote, accompanied by a silence emoji.

The post not only grabbed the attention of fans but was also shared by his Real Madrid teammates, including Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, along with President Florentino Pérez, who added a simple “👍.”

The Context of the Goal

Mbappé’s decisive strike came after a brilliant counterattack launched by Rodrygo, followed by a perfectly weighted pass from Federico Valverde. Mbappé controlled the ball with ease, leaving Gayà behind and finishing past the Valencia keeper to put Real Madrid ahead.

While Gayà was quick to protest a potential offside from Bellingham in the build-up, the VAR review confirmed that there was no infringement, with only 7 centimeters separating the English midfielder’s position from the offside line. The goal was validated in a swift 42-second review by the officials, and the game continued with Madrid leading.

Gayà Attempts to Clear the Air

As tensions ran high, Gayà reportedly tried to approach Mbappé in the Mestalla tunnel after the match, possibly seeking to clear the air. However, with headphones on, Mbappé reportedly greeted the captain with a smile and a “shhh” gesture, showing little interest in further conversation. It was a cold response from the Frenchman, who had already made his stance clear on social media.

Valencia’s head coach, Rubén Baraja, tried to calm the situation, suggesting that Gayà’s comments were made in the heat of the moment. “José is a leader and defends his team. Sometimes the heat of the moment makes us say things that we later clarify,” Baraja stated. “Tomorrow we will talk calmly.”

On the other hand, Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid manager, downplayed the controversy, focusing on the performance. “Mbappé responds on the field. Today he did it with a great goal. The rest is words,” Ancelotti remarked.

Gayà’s History of Controversial Comments

This incident is not the first time José Gayà has stirred the pot with his comments. In 2023, after a loss to Barcelona, he accused the referee of “blatant stealing,” leading to a two-match ban. This latest outburst has led to the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) opening an investigation into his remarks. Depending on the findings, Gayà could face a suspension of 1 to 3 matches for his comments.

Many are questioning whether this disciplinary action will be harsher than his previous suspension, considering the impact his words have had on both the match and the wider football community. Critics argue that Gayà’s repeated outbursts are damaging his reputation and that of Valencia as a club, while others see his frustration as a natural reaction to what he perceives as unfair play.

The Response of the Fans

As expected, social media erupted in the aftermath of the clash. The hashtag #GayàVsMbappé quickly trended worldwide, with Real Madrid fans mocking Gayà’s comments, calling his defense against Mbappé “lucky” and suggesting that it was Gayà who needed the luck to stop the Frenchman. The memes came fast and furious, with Real Madrid fans turning the situation into a viral joke.

On the other hand, Valencia supporters rallied behind their captain, defending his passion and frustration after what they saw as an unfair defeat. However, the majority of Valencia’s online presence remained quiet, unsure how to respond to the wave of backlash Gayà’s remarks had triggered.

Real Madrid’s Response with Irony

To add insult to injury, Real Madrid’s official account published a cheeky post that featured Mbappé’s goal, accompanied by the song “Sweet Caroline” and the caption:
“Sometimes, luck is just talent in disguise. 🎯”

The tweet, which was a lighthearted jab at Gayà’s comments, further fueled the growing tension between the two sides. It was a perfect example of Real Madrid’s confidence after the victory and their ability to turn controversy into a viral moment.

Mbappé’s Final Words

The next morning, Mbappé, who had already moved on from the incident, trained as usual at Valdebebas. When a journalist asked him if he held a grudge against Gayà, Mbappé responded briefly but pointedly:
“No resentment. Respect, yes. But respect is earned on the field, not on the microphones.”

This remark not only ended the debate but also served as a powerful reminder that Mbappé is someone who lets his actions speak louder than his words. For many, it was the perfect conclusion to an already intense and dramatic encounter.

Conclusion: A New Rivalry?

The clash between José Gayà and Kylian Mbappé has sparked heated debate, but it has also served to deepen the rivalry between Valencia and Real Madrid. Both clubs have a long history of tension, and this latest incident only adds fuel to the fire. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on these two players and their teams, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in what could become one of La Liga’s most talked-about rivalries.

As for Gayà, he now faces the consequences of his words, and the RFEF’s investigation will determine whether further disciplinary action is taken. Mbappé, meanwhile, continues to let his performances on the pitch do the talking, adding another memorable moment to his career.