Real Madrid vs. Valencia | La Liga | Pre Match
Real Madrid vs. Valencia
Real Madrid will take to the Bernabeu pitch on Saturday afternoon with their sights set on securing a fourth consecutive La Liga victory as they host Valencia, a match that carries significant weight for both sides in their respective campaigns. Carlo Ancelotti’s men currently sit second in the La Liga standings, three points adrift of arch-rivals Barcelona, who lead the pack, making every game a must-win proposition if they are to close the gap and reclaim the summit. Valencia, meanwhile, find themselves in 15th place, a precarious four points above the relegation zone, but buoyed by an unbeaten run of four matches that has injected a flicker of hope into their season. For Real Madrid, the fixture comes amid a relentless schedule that has seen them juggle multiple competitions with little respite; just days ago, on Tuesday night, they were embroiled in a thrilling Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Real Sociedad at the Bernabeu, a match that ended in a breathless 4-4 draw. That result, coupled with their 1-0 first-leg win, secured a 5-4 aggregate triumph, booking their place in the final against Barcelona at the end of April—a tantalizing prospect that adds another chapter to their storied rivalry. The Bernabeu faithful were treated to a rollercoaster of emotions in that eight-goal spectacle, with Real Madrid’s attacking flair and defensive frailties both on full display, a microcosm of a season where brilliance and vulnerability have coexisted. Now, with Valencia in town, Ancelotti’s side must refocus quickly, knowing that any slip-up in La Liga could prove costly in their pursuit of Barcelona, while also keeping an eye on their looming Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal next week.
The stakes for Real Madrid extend far beyond this single match, as they remain locked in a three-front battle that defines their season: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League, where they are among the favorites to lift the trophy. Their recent 3-2 victory over Leganes in La Liga showcased their resilience, as they weathered a late scare to claim the points, a result that kept them within striking distance of Barcelona. That win followed a 2-1 triumph over Valencia earlier this season at the Mestalla, and Los Blancos will be eager to complete a league double over Los Che, a feat that would reinforce their dominance in this fixture. Historically, Valencia have struggled to get the better of Real Madrid in La Liga, with their last victory over the capital giants dating back to March 2008—a 2-1 win that feels like a distant memory for their fans. Their most recent trip to the Bernabeu, in August 2017, yielded a 2-2 draw, but since then, Real Madrid have asserted their superiority, particularly at home. Ancelotti will demand focus from his squad, aware that Valencia’s current form—unbeaten in four—suggests they are no pushovers, even if their away record this season paints a grim picture. The Italian tactician is expected to shuffle his pack after the midweek exertions, with Kylian Mbappé and Antonio Rüdiger poised to return to the starting XI, while Fran García is likely to slot in at left-back. However, injuries continue to plague Real Madrid, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois sidelined by a nagging muscular issue that has proven more stubborn than anticipated, leaving Andriy Lunin to deputize despite his own minor calf complaint. Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy are also doubtful for Saturday but could feature against Arsenal, while Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão remain long-term absentees with serious knee injuries, testing the squad’s depth at a pivotal moment.
Valencia, under Carlos Corberán, approach this clash with a rare sense of momentum, their 1-0 home win over Mallorca on March 30 marking their last outing and extending their unbeaten streak. That victory, coupled with draws and another win in their previous three matches, has lifted them to eight points from their last four league games, a haul that has nudged them into 15th place and provided a four-point buffer from the relegation mire. For a club with six Spanish titles to its name, the threat of dropping out of the top flight—last experienced in 1986—looms as an unthinkable prospect, and their recent upturn offers a lifeline in a season that has been defined by struggle. At home, Valencia have been surprisingly robust, amassing 24 points from 15 matches, a record that ranks eighth in the division and underscores the importance of their Mestalla fortress in their survival bid. On the road, however, they’ve been woeful, collecting just seven points from 14 games without a single victory—a stark contrast that Real Madrid will look to exploit. Corberán’s side will arrive fresher than their hosts, having had over a week to prepare, but their injury and suspension woes could blunt their edge. Goalkeeper Cristian Rivero and defender Thierry Correia are out injured, while Dimitri Foulquier, José Gayà, and Luis Rioja are suspended, forcing at least three changes from the Mallorca win. Yarek Gasiorowski, a young talent rumored to be on Real Madrid’s radar, could step in at left-back, with Jesús Vázquez and Fran Pérez also in contention to bolster a depleted lineup. Valencia’s challenge will be to defy their dismal away form and capitalize on any fatigue or complacency in the Real Madrid ranks, a tall order against a side with the firepower of Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo.
The tactical battle promises intrigue, with Real Madrid’s attacking riches pitted against Valencia’s need to stay compact and counter effectively. Ancelotti’s men have shown a knack for grinding out results even when not at their fluid best, as evidenced by the Leganes win, but their defensive lapses—conceding four against Real Sociedad—could give Valencia hope. Mbappé’s return adds a lethal dimension, his pace and finishing a nightmare for any backline, while Rüdiger’s presence should shore up a defense that has occasionally wavered. Lunin’s reliability in goal will be crucial, especially with Courtois absent, and the Ukrainian’s slight injury concern adds an element of risk. For Valencia, their strategy may hinge on frustrating Real Madrid’s rhythm and striking on the break, with players like Hugo Duro or André Almeida tasked with testing Lunin. Gasiorowski’s potential duel with Vinícius could be a defining subplot, the youngster’s composure under pressure a key factor in containing Real Madrid’s left flank. Corberán will lean on his team’s recent resilience, but their lack of cutting edge away from home—coupled with a lengthy injury list—tilts the scales heavily in favor of the hosts. A Real Madrid win seems the likeliest outcome, perhaps by a 2-0 or 3-1 margin, though Valencia’s grit could keep it closer if they seize their chances.
For both clubs, this match is a stepping stone to broader goals: Real Madrid’s pursuit of a domestic and European treble, and Valencia’s desperate scramble to preserve their top-flight status. A fourth straight La Liga win would keep the pressure on Barcelona and send a message ahead of the Arsenal clash, while a shock Valencia result could ignite their season and dent Real Madrid’s momentum. The Bernabeu, still buzzing from Tuesday’s Copa del Rey drama, will expect nothing less than victory, but Valencia’s mini-revival ensures this won’t be a walkover. As the campaigns of these two Spanish giants converge, Saturday’s encounter offers a blend of high stakes, historical baggage, and tactical nuance—a classic La Liga showdown with ramifications that will echo beyond the final whistle.
