Real Madrid host Valencia on Saturday night aiming for a fourth consecutive La Liga win and a chance to extend their lead over Barcelona to eight points, while Los Che arrive at the Bernabeu desperate to escape the relegation zone amid a turbulent campaign.
Real Madrid will be aiming to post a fourth straight win in La Liga when they continue their campaign with a home fixture against a struggling Valencia side on Saturday night, in what promises to be a clash of contrasting fortunes and ambitions. The Santiago Bernabeu, a venue steeped in glory and expectation, will once again serve as the stage for a team in imperious form to assert their dominance over a side that has lost its way. With Xabi Alonso’s men riding high at the summit of the table and Valencia languishing in the relegation zone, the narrative is clear—but football, as ever, offers no guarantees.
Los Blancos currently sit five points clear of second-placed Barcelona at the top of the La Liga standings, having amassed 27 points from their opening 10 matches. Their form has been near-flawless, with nine wins and just a single defeat—an away loss to city rivals Atletico Madrid—marring an otherwise perfect domestic record. Last weekend’s 2-1 triumph over Barcelona in El Clasico was more than just a statement win; it was a psychological blow to their fiercest rivals and a reaffirmation of their title credentials. Jude Bellingham’s late winner sent shockwaves through Spanish football, and the result has given Real Madrid a golden opportunity to widen the gap before Barcelona return to action on Sunday against Elche.
The timing of this fixture is crucial. With a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool in the Champions League looming, Alonso may be tempted to rotate his squad, but the importance of maintaining momentum in La Liga cannot be overstated. A win against Valencia would not only extend their lead to eight points but also serve as the perfect springboard into a challenging European week. Real Madrid have already won their first three matches in the Champions League group stage, and their ability to juggle domestic and continental commitments has been a hallmark of their success this season.
Historically, Real Madrid have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture, winning 111 of their previous 213 meetings with Valencia across all competitions. However, they will be wary of complacency, having suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Los Che at the Bernabeu last season—a result that still lingers in the memory of many fans. Revenge will undoubtedly be on the minds of the players and coaching staff, especially with the team chasing a sixth consecutive win in all competitions. With two more matches to come before the November international break, the opportunity to build an unassailable lead at the top of the table is tantalizing.
Valencia, meanwhile, arrive in Madrid with little to lose and everything to gain. Their season has been a tale of frustration and underachievement, with just nine points from 10 matches leaving them in 18th place—two points above bottom side Girona. Carlos Corberán’s men did manage a morale-boosting 5-0 win over Maracena in the Copa del Rey earlier this week, but that result came against lower-league opposition and does little to mask the deeper issues plaguing the squad. Last weekend’s 2-0 home defeat to Villarreal was symptomatic of their struggles—lack of creativity, defensive lapses, and a general sense of disjointedness that has become all too familiar.
Valencia’s decline has been gradual but alarming. They finished 12th last season and have only cracked the top 10 once in the last three campaigns. Their last top-four finish came in 2018–19, and the current squad appears ill-equipped to mount any serious challenge for European qualification. For a club with such a rich history and passionate fanbase, the current predicament is deeply disappointing. Corberán has been given time to steady the ship, but the pressure is mounting, and a heavy defeat at the Bernabeu could accelerate calls for change.
In terms of team news, Real Madrid have been dealt a blow with the confirmation that Dani Carvajal will remain sidelined following a knee operation. Antonio Rudiger is also unavailable due to a muscular injury, while David Alaba’s calf issue will be assessed closer to kickoff. Andriy Lunin is suspended after receiving a red card against Barcelona, leaving Thibaut Courtois as the undisputed starter between the posts. Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in the squad and could feature off the bench, while Federico Valverde is expected to continue at right-back following a solid outing in El Clasico. Eduardo Camavinga, who impressed in midfield last weekend, is likely to retain his place, offering dynamism and control in the center of the park.
The attacking trident of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe is expected to start once again, despite Vinicius’ recent apology for his reaction to being substituted against Barcelona. The Brazilian’s passion and flair remain integral to Real Madrid’s attacking identity, and Alonso will be counting on him to deliver against a vulnerable Valencia backline. Bellingham, the breakout star of the season, continues to defy expectations with his maturity and match-winning contributions, while Mbappe’s pace and finishing make him a constant threat.
Valencia, on the other hand, are grappling with a number of absentees. Mouctar Diakhaby, Largie Ramazani, and Dimitri Foulquier are all ruled out through injury, while Lucas Beltran and Filip Ugrinic face late fitness tests. Arnaut Danjuma and Hugo Duro, who have each scored four goals this season, are expected to lead the line, offering a blend of physicality and movement that could trouble Real Madrid’s makeshift defense. Baptiste Santamaria is set to anchor the midfield, providing stability and distribution, while captain Jose Gaya will be a key figure at left-back, tasked with containing Vinicius and offering support in attack.
Tactically, the match is likely to be dominated by Real Madrid, who will look to control possession, stretch the play, and exploit the spaces behind Valencia’s defense. Alonso’s side have shown a remarkable ability to adapt their approach depending on the opponent, and against a team struggling for form, they may opt for a more aggressive, high-tempo strategy. Valencia, by contrast, will likely sit deep, absorb pressure, and attempt to hit on the counter. Their success will depend on their ability to remain compact, limit individual errors, and capitalize on set-piece opportunities.
The psychological dimension of the fixture cannot be ignored. Real Madrid are brimming with confidence, buoyed by recent results and the knowledge that they are in control of their destiny. The Bernabeu crowd will be expectant, demanding both style and substance from their team. For Valencia, the challenge is as much mental as it is physical. They must overcome the fear of failure, the weight of history, and the intensity of the occasion to produce a performance that can restore belief and pride.
In the broader context of the season, Saturday’s clash is more than just a routine league fixture—it is a litmus test for both sides. For Real Madrid, it is a chance to reinforce their dominance, build momentum ahead of a crucial Champions League tie, and send a message to their rivals. For Valencia, it is an opportunity to defy expectations, disrupt the narrative, and begin the long road back to relevance. The margins are fine, the stakes high, and the outcome uncertain—but one thing is clear: the Bernabeu will witness a contest that could shape the trajectory of both campaigns.
