Valencia vs Real Madrid
Time – India: 1:30 AM (Monday); UK: 8:00 PM (Sunday)
Venue: Mestalla
Referee: Jesus Gil
Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid have once again emerged as the most dominant force in Spain this season. After their unlikely La Liga success the last term, many expected Real Madrid to find it difficult to make their mark in the Spanish top-flight, especially against a “rejuvenated” Barcelona.
But so far, Los Blancos have managed to prove their doubters wrong.
After bagging two successive wins in the Spanish top-division, Real Madrid will make the tricky trip to Valencia, hoping to extend their winning run to three in the division. Valencia haven’t exactly been in the best of forms, but we can never count out the threat they carry at home.
Valencia vs Real Madrid: Head-to-head
Total matches: 50
Valencia wins: 10
Real Madrid wins: 28
Draws: 12
On paper, Real Madrid seem to be the much better team; and it’s hard to refute that claim. However, despite the overwhelming numbers, Real Madrid hardly enjoy smooth sailing against Valencia.
Their last meeting ended in a 3-0 win for Real Madrid at the Alfredo di Stefano stadium. At Mestalla, last year, Valencia held the eventual champions to a 1-1 draw.
Valencia’s last win over Real Madrid came at the Mestalla itself. On April 4th, 2019, Valencia beat Los Merengues 2-1, with goals from Goncalo Guedes and Ezequiel Garay edging the hosts to all three points.
Valencia vs Real Madrid: Recent form
Valencia: D-L-L-L-W (Most recent first)
Real Madrid: W-W-D-W-L (Most recent first)
Valencia started the campaign with a thrilling 4-2 win over Levante. Surprisingly, they failed to keep the momentum alive and fell to a defeat at Celta Vigo. Since the defeat, they have conjured two draws and a win, losing the remaining three matches.
Elsewhere, Real Madrid fell to a shocking defeat against Cadiz on October 17th, but the Whites have bounced back strongly since then — in the league, at least.
They beat Barcelona and Huesca convincingly in their last two La Liga matches and look poised to bag their third successive win of the campaign.
Valencia vs Real Madrid: Team news
Valencia
The hosts, fortunately, doesn’t have a long list of absentees. They are set to miss centre-back Mouctar Diakhaby, who is set to return during the international break.
Central midfielder, Vicente Esquerdo also remains a doubt for the game. Thierry Correia, who picked up a second yellow against Getafe will also miss the game.
Absentees: Mouctar Diakhaby, Thierry Correia
Doubtful: Vicente Esquerdo
Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s first-choice right-back, Dani Carvajal, remains sidelined and is set to miss the trip to Valencia. Eder Militao picked up an injury and remains a doubt for the game.
Nacho Fernandez is yet to rejoin first-team training and will remain absent. Alvaro Odriozola has trained with the team but could sit this one out.
In other news, Eden Hazard and Casemiro have tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the trip to Mestalla.
Absentees: Dani Carvajal, Nacho, Eden Hazard, Casemiro
Doubtful: Alvaro Odriozola, Eder Militao
Valencia vs Real Madrid: Probable XI
Valencia: Jaume; Racic, Paulista, Guillamon, Gaya; Seoane, Musah, Soler, Wass, Cheryshev; Lee, Gomez;
Real Madrid: Courtois; Vazquez, Ramos, Varane, Mendy; Modric, Kroos, Valverde, Vinicius, Benzema, Asensio;
Valencia vs Real Madrid: Where to watch
India: No Telecast
UK: La Liga TV (Premier Sports)
Stream in India: Facebook Watch on Facebook
Stream in the UK: Premier Sports Player
Valencia vs Real Madrid: Prediction
Real Madrid and Valencia have played out some fantastic fixtures over the years, and we expect another nail-biting tussle on Sunday night. The visitors have the upper hand in terms of form and quality, but Valencia can never be taken lightly.
Real Madrid’s lapses in defence would serve as an encouragement to Valencia and an early goal could very well change the complexion of the match. Los Blancos could suffer, but should narrowly come away with all three points.
Valencia vs Real Madrid predicted scoreline: 1-2
Also Read: Barcelona vs Real Betis: Preview, team news, predicted XI and more | La Liga 2020-21