Valencia host Real Madrid in dramatic La Liga clash at Mestalla

Valencia look to maintain strong home form despite late heartbreaks

Valencia and Real Madrid both arrive after matches filled with late drama, suggesting fans at Mestalla will need to stay until the final whistle for this La Liga showdown.

Valencia will hope recent last-gasp setbacks do not derail the momentum they had been building. Los Che suffered back-to-back 2-1 defeats after conceding late goals against Real Betis in La Liga and Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey.

Before those disappointments, Valencia were enjoying a three-match unbeaten run in the league, winning twice and drawing once. That improved form helped them remain just above the relegation zone heading into this round.

At home, Valencia continue to be a difficult opponent. They are currently on a six-match unbeaten streak in La Liga at Mestalla, winning twice and drawing four times. It is their longest such run since an 11-game unbeaten home stretch that ended in March 2024.

Real Madrid chasing Barcelona with impressive winning momentum

Real Madrid secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano last weekend with a stoppage-time winner, extending their winning run in La Liga to six matches. The victory ensured Los Blancos remained firmly in the title race, trailing league leaders Barcelona by just one point before this round.

Manager Álvaro Arbeloa could become only the sixth Real Madrid coach to win his first four La Liga matches if his side secures victory here. The last manager to achieve that feat was his predecessor Xabi Alonso.

Madrid will travel to Mestalla full of confidence, particularly given their impressive away form. They have not lost a league match on the road since early October, recording four wins and three draws. The visitors should also benefit from extra rest after not playing during the midweek schedule.

Real Madrid hold slight edge in recent head-to-head meetings

Real Madrid have won three of the last five meetings between the two sides, with one draw and one defeat. They have also lost just once in their last four visits to Mestalla, winning twice and drawing once.

Notably, Madrid have scored exactly two goals in three of those four away matches against Valencia.

Key statistics highlight scoring patterns and consistency

Valencia have shown a strong tendency to score after halftime this season, with 21 of their 26 home league goals arriving in the second half. Additionally, five of their last seven home league matches have produced exactly two total goals.

Real Madrid have demonstrated consistency in front of goal, scoring exactly twice in five of their last six league fixtures. They have also been strong starters on the road, trailing at halftime in only one away league match this season, recording five wins and five draws at the break.

Players to watch and team news

Luis Rioja, who previously spent time with Real Madrid, scored in Valencia’s last league match and has netted two of his three goals this season between the 70th and 85th minutes, making him a potential late threat.

Kylian Mbappé continues to lead Madrid’s attack, contributing five of the club’s last six goals across all competitions. The French forward has also opened the scoring in four of his last five matches in which he has found the net.

Valencia defender José Copete suffered another injury setback during the week and remains doubtful. Real Madrid face their own concerns, with Jude Bellingham forced off early in the win over Rayo Vallecano due to a hamstring issue, while Vinícius Júnior is suspended.