Valencia vs Real Madrid Prediction

Real Madrid will be looking to kick off 2025 with a win as they travel to struggling Valencia in La Liga on 3rd January. The Estadio Mestalla will play host to this on paper one sided clash, however with former West Brom manager Carlos Corberan newly in the Valencia Dugout, this match could prove tougher than usual for Los Blancos.

Valencia have slightly started to upturn their terrible start to the season which saw them embroiled in this relegation battle. They have picked up 5 points from their last 5 matches, only conceding 6 goals, and their two defeats have come from just a single goal. Meanwhile Madrid have yet to fully get going this campaign, despite being 2nd in La Liga, the expectation of its supporters is monumental, and with the likes of Mbappe and Vinicius not quite hitting the extremely high level demanded, they will be desperate to push on with a resounding win here.

Key Stats

• Los Blancos Have scored 16 goals in their last 5 matches
• Valencia have picked up 4 points from their last 3 matches against Madrid
• Real Madrid Have been awarded the most penalties in La Liga this season (7)
• Valencia have actually earned more corners than Real Madrid this season so far

Team Previews, Form and Standout Players

Carlos Corberan has earned a very astute reputation during his time in The EFL as a manager who knows how to set up a side defensively, and this no doubt will be the first thing on the Spaniard’s agenda as they prepare to face the spanish giants at home. He also will play a very high intensity system, pressing high and with very little respect for the opposition. This is something Madrid have struggled with in the past, most recently against Arne Slot’s Liverpool side, whereby they were run all over the park at Anfield, and failed to cope with Liverpool's physicality and intensity.

Valencia Preview

Predicted Lineup: Stole Dimitrievski, Luis Rioja, Yarek Gasiorowski, Cristhian Mosquera, Dimitri Foulquier, Javier Guerra, Enzo Barrenechea, Hugo Guillamon, Diego Lopez, André Almeida, Hugo Duro

The injury list that Corberan has to contend with at the moment is extensive, key players such as Jose Gaya, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Fran Perez are all unavailable, leaving his hands slightly tied. The youth within his midfield will provide the energy he requires to press Madrid high and interrupt their rhythm, which will give the former Baggies boss hope of an upset.

Real Madrid Preview

Predicted Lineup: Thibaut Cortouis, Lucas Vazquez, Antonio Rudiger, Aurelien Tchouameni, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe

Ancelloti will be hoping that his players have returned from their winter break refreshed and ready for what no doubt will be another 5 and a half months of win at all costs matches, as he hopes to challenge on all fronts in 2025. The first task will be getting over Valencia, and the quality of Vini Jr, Bellingham and Mbappe will certainly aide his chances of gaining 3 points at the Mestalla.

Head To Head Stats: Valencia vs Real Madrid

2 Mar 2024 – Valencia 2-2 Real Madrid

11 Nov 2023 – Real Madrid 5-1 Valencia

21 May 2023 – Valencia 1-0 Real Madrid

2 Feb 2023 – Real Madrid 2-0 Valencia

11 Jan 2023 – Real Madrid 1-1 Valencia

Betting Tips For Valencia vs Real Madrid

Despite this on paper looking like a routine victory and return from the break for Madrid, the appointment of Corberan certainly throws a spanner in the works, and we feel his new system could pose a real threat to Real Madrid.

For that reason, our betting experts have gone with a Draw as our best value tip for this game.

Odds of 4/1 mean that a £10 bet has the potential to return up to £50 in this match.

(odds subject to change)

Final Prediction: Valencia vs Real Madrid

Valencia 1-1 Real Madrid