A Real Madrid side boosted by the return of star midfielder Jude Bellingham visit Valencia on Saturday night looking to extend their lead at the top of La Liga.
Los Blancos have done modestly in the absence of their England international, picking up a pair of 1-0 victories over RB Leipzig and Sevilla either side of a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano.
Saturday’s trip to the Mestalla also sees Vinicius Junior return to Valencia’s stadium for the first time since he was racially abused by home supporters last May.
Here’s 90min’s preview of the La Liga clash.
Valencia vs Real Madrid H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (all competitions)
|
Valencia |
Real Madrid |
|---|---|
|
Valencia 0-0 Sevilla – 17/02/24 |
Real Madrid 1-0 Sevilla – 25/02/24 |
|
Las Palmas 2-0 Valencia – 10/02/24 |
Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Real Madrid – 18/02/24 |
|
Valencia 2-1 Almeria – 03/02/24 |
RB Leipzig 0-1 Real Madrid – 13/02/24 |
|
Atletico Madrid – 28/01/24 |
Real Madrid 4-0 Girona – 10/02/24 |
|
Valencia 1-0 Athletic Club – 20/01/24 |
Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid – 04/02/24 |
|
Country |
TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
LaLigaTV, Viaplay UK, Viaplay Sports 2 |
|
United States |
ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
|
Canada |
TSN+ |
Thierry Correia is the only injury concern for Valencia manager Ruben Baraja, with the Portuguese right-back not expected back until mid March.
Top scorer Hugo Duro, who has ten La Liga goals this season, will continue his strike partnership with the less prolific Roman Yaremchuk, who hit the back of the net twice this campaign.
Valencia predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-4-2): Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Diakhaby, Mosquera, Gaya; Perez, Pepelu, Guillamon, Canos; Yaremchuk, Duro.
Real Madrid confirmed lineups vs Valencia (4-3-1-2): Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Tchouameni, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius.
Having not played for around two weeks, Valencia should be fairly fresh as they look to improve their decent record at home in La Liga this season. Baraja’s side have picked up 24 of their total 36 points at the Mestalla, but that’s still fewer than Los Blancos have brought home on their travels.
There may be some mindfulness and caution shown by Ancelotti ahead of the return Champions League last-16 leg with RB Leipzig, where Madrid still need to show up after taking a slender lead in the first fixture.
The atmosphere could be fervent on Saturday night but Madrid’s returning stars may help them surge to victory.
Prediction: Valencia 1-3 Real Madrid
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