Rabat – Real Madrid visit Mestalla tonight for a crucial La Liga match against Valencia. Madrid are second in the table with 54 points and aim to respond after Barcelona’s 3‑0 win widened the gap at the top to four points.
Valencia sit 17th with 23 points and are fighting to avoid relegation. The home side will look to use the Mestalla atmosphere to challenge Madrid and secure much‑needed points.
Match Details
- Fixture: Valencia vs Real Madrid
- Competition: La Liga (Matchday 23)
- Venue: Mestalla, Valencia
- Date/Time: Sunday, Feb 8, 9:00 p.m.
- How to Watch: beIN Sports (MENA), ESPN Deportes/ESPN2 + ESPN+ (USA), DAZN LaLiga (Spain)
Real Madrid Team News
Injuries/Suspensions: Real Madrid are missing key attackers. Vinícius Jr. is suspended, Rodrygo is sidelined with injury, and Jude Bellingham has also been ruled out.
Form/Context: Barcelona’s latest win has opened a four‑point gap at the top, leaving Madrid with little margin for error. The team has controlled matches well this season, but the missing forwards mean tactical adjustments, midfield runners, and supporting attackers will need to carry more of the load around Mbappe.
Key Player to Watch: Kylian Mbappe is in outstanding form, leading La Liga with 22 goals so far. His scoring run makes him the central figure in Madrid’s attack, especially with other forwards unavailable.
Real Madrid likely XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Guler, Brahim, Mbappé.
Valencia Team News
Table Position: Valencia are 17th with 23 points (5 wins, 8 draws, 9 losses). The match at Mestalla feels crucial as they fight to stay clear of relegation.
Recent Form: Local reports describe the atmosphere around the club as tense. Valencia are coming off a difficult run and disappointment in the cup, adding pressure to perform.
Approach: Expect Valencia to rely on intensity, home support, and quick counterattacks. They will likely target the space behind Madrid’s fullbacks when the visitors push forward in to score.
Valencia likely XI : Dimitrievski; Foulquier, Comert, Copete, Gayà; Pepelu, Ugrinic, Rioja; Danjuma, Duro, Beltrán.
What to Expect
Madrid are expected to control possession and look for an early goal to quiet Mestalla. Valencia will likely stay compact, defend with numbers, and rely on counters and set pieces.
With Vinicius and Rodrygo unavailable, Madrid lose speed on the flanks. The attack will shift toward central combinations, with midfield runners making late moves to support Mbappe.
Safe Bets & Prediction
- Madrid to win: Title pressure and overall quality give them the edge.
- Over 1.5 Madrid goals: Likely if they control the game early.
- Mbappe to score: Likely
Final Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Valencia
