MADRID: Real Madrid were beaten 4-1 in Valencia after Carlos Soler scored a penalty hat-trick on the La Liga champions.

Madrid took the lead through Karim Benzema but gave Valencia four easy goals at Mestalla, including three penalties and Raphael Varane’s own goal.

“There is no reason and reason. It was a bad game and a frustrating day,” said Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane.

This is the first time Madrid have conceded four goals since being beaten 5-1 by Barcelona in October 2018.

After consecutive defeats to Cadiz and Shakhtar Donestsk last month, Zidane eased pressure on him by recording victories over Barca, Huesca and Inter Milan.

But the defeat to Valencia put pressure on Madrid and Zidane ahead of the international break, with them currently in fourth place, four points behind leaders Real Sociedad.