Valencia might not be Real Madrid’s closest ally in La Liga, but this might not be the best moment for them to face a wounded giant, even at home.
Last year, Valencia managed to hold Real Madrid to a draw in a highly controversial match that ended 2-2, where a goal by Bellingham was disallowed as the referee blew the final whistle just as the decisive cross was made.
However, unlike last year, Valencia is struggling this season, sitting at the bottom of the league with only 7 points after 11 matches. Their recent form is so poor that they even revitalized Las Palmas, who hadn’t won a league match since February 10, in a 2-3 defeat at Mestalla.
Last weekend, Valencia managed to secure a draw against Getafe, keeping their hopes alive for a late resurgence with a 1-1 result. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, fresh off a 5-2 victory over Dortmund in the Champions League, suffered a humiliating 0-4 defeat at home to FC Barcelona, highlighting significant weaknesses.
The reigning Spanish champions now trail FC Barcelona by 6 points, with Barcelona having only one slip-up so far. Real Madrid has been defensively vulnerable and unconvincing in attack, despite having three of the world’s top six players according to the latest Ballon d’Or rankings.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team is under pressure to bounce back in Valencia, especially after their heavy defeat in El Clasico. Ancelotti reminded everyone that the last time his team lost to Barcelona, they went on to win La Liga and the Champions League that same year, hoping for a similar turnaround.
Valencia faces this challenge without several key players, including the suspended midfielder Pepelu, and defenders Diakhaby and Correia, both out with ruptured cruciate ligaments.
Forwards Rafa Mir and Hugo Duro, as well as new signing Luis Rioja and important player Jesus Vazquez, are also sidelined. However, there is some good news with the return of captain and starting left-back José Gaya, who has played in the last two matches.
On the Real Madrid side, Dani Carvajal will miss the rest of the season due to a ruptured cruciate ligament, and young central defender Joan Martinez is also out.
David Alaba is still recovering and will miss this match, along with Rodrygo and Courtois, who have been injured since the Dortmund game. Additionally, Rüdiger’s participation is uncertain as he did not train with the team at the start of the season.
Prediction
Valencia, who finished their last top-flight campaign with eight losses in their final 12 matches, could find it challenging to step up to this level against Real Madrid, who have won eight of their last ten games.
Prediction: Valencia 1 : 2 Real Madrid
