Preview: Valencia vs Real Madrid Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | LaLiga 2025-26
Los Blancos are just one point behind league leaders Barcelona.
Alvaro Arbeloa takes his bruised Real Madrid squad to the hostile cauldron of the Mestalla this Monday. He knows that anything less than three points risks handing the title to Barcelona. The visitors trail the league leaders by a solitary point.
However, the mounting absentee list threatens to derail their momentum. Madrid enter this fixture off the back of a gritty 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano. In that match, Kylian Mbappe once again proved to be the difference.
Valencia, stuck in 16th place, desperately needs a spark. Ruben Baraja’s men have endured a rough campaign. They have managed only fleeting moments of quality amidst a sea of inconsistency.
Their recent 2-1 defeat to Real Betis and Athletic Club exposed defensive frailties. Los Blancos will take advantage of these gaps, even with a depleted frontline. However, the Mestalla crowd often lifts the home side against the capital giants. They will sense an opportunity against a makeshift Madrid attack.
Team news dominates the pre-match discourse. Real Madrid travel without the suspended Vinicius Junior. Meanwhile, a hamstring injury still sidelines Jude Bellingham. Worse still, Rodrygo missed training on Thursday. This absence casts serious doubt over his availability.
Arbeloa must shuffle his pack. He will likely deploy Arda Güler or Brahim Diaz to support Mbappe.
On the other side, Valencia face their own issues. Mouctar Diakhaby and Thierry Correia remain long-term absentees. Their absence leaves gaps in the defensive structure.
History favours the visitors, who beat Valencia 4-0 in the reverse fixture last November. Yet, form often fades in the intense atmosphere of this specific rivalry.
Real Madrid boast a five-game winning streak in LaLiga. This run showcases a resilience that defies their injury woes.
Valencia enter this match having lost three of their last five league matches. They must find a way to contain the league’s top scorer, Mbappe, or risk another heavy defeat.
Expect a fiery encounter. Real Madrid possess the quality to secure victory, but Valencia will fight for every ball.
Kick-off:
- Location: Valencia, Spain
- Stadium: Estadio de Mestalla
- Date: Monday, February 9
- Kick-off Time: 01:30 a.m. IST
- Referee: César Soto Grado
- VAR: In Use
Form:
Valencia: L-L-W-W-W
Real Madrid: W-L-W-W-W
Players to watch out for:
Hugo Duro (Valencia)
Valencia need a spark upfront. Hugo Duro shoulders that big responsibility leading the line. Despite the team’s general inconsistencies, the forward has managed to net seven goals across his 21 matches played this campaign.
His average rating currently sits at 6.69, and he has zero assists. However, his 5.16 expected goals (xG) tally indicates he is finding dangerous positions. These runs could cause real problems for the opposition defence.
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid):
On the other hand, the lethal Kylian Mbappé spearheads Real Madrid’s formidable attack. His individual statistics this season are unreal. He has already scored an incredible 22 goals in just 21 matches played.
This outperforms his huge 19.87 expected goals (xG) figure. Additionally, the French striker has contributed four assists. He has earned an outstanding average rating of 8.39.
This makes him a clear danger man for the visitors.
Match Facts:
- Valencia sit 16th but rank 8th in the xG table, underperforming by eight positions.
- Valencia scored eight goals in their last five matches.
- Real Madrid have scored 14 goals in their last five matches.
Valencia vs Real Madrid Betting Tips and Odds:
- Real Madrid to Win: 1.57 (1Win).
- Kylian Mbappé Anytime Goalscorer: 1.65 (Bet9ja).
- Over 2.5 Goals: 1.89 (1xBet).
Injuries and Team News:
Valencia face significant defensive absences ahead of this clash. Thierry Correia and Mouctar Diakhaby are both out with hamstring injuries. Plus, goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala won’t be available because of a similar issue.
Christian Rivero is also serving a suspension. These absences leave them really short on options at the back.
Real Madrid also travel to the Mestalla with a thin squad. A muscle strain keeps key midfielder Jude Bellingham out until early March. On top of that, a suspension rules out influential forward Vinícius Júnior.
A tendon injury keeps defender Éder Militão sidelined as well. Doubts still linger over the fitness of Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy. They are nursing knee and ankle issues.
Head-To-Head stats:
Total matches: 181
Real Madrid Wins: 95
Valencia Wins: 48
Draws: 38
Predicted Starting Lineups:
Valencia Predicted Starting Lineup (4-4-2):
Stole Dimitrievski; Dimitri Foulquier, Eray Cömert, José Copete, José Gayà; Luis Rioja, Filip Ugrinic, Pepelu, Arnaut Danjuma; Lucas Beltran, Hugo Duro.
Real Madrid Predicted Starting Lineup (4-1-2-3):
Thibaut Courtois; Federico Valverde, David Alaba, Dean Huijsen, Eduardo Camavinga; Aurélien Tchouaméni; Arda Güler, Dani Ceballos; Franco Mastantuono, Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo.
Match Prediction:
Real Madrid look set to secure a decisive victory. Their dangerous attack, spearheaded by the star striker Kylian Mbappé, is too much for a fragile Valencia backline.
The home side consistently struggle against top-tier opposition. Meanwhile, Alvaro Arbeloa’s side maintain focused momentum in the title race.
In the end, superior quality makes the difference.
Prediction: Valencia 1-3 Real Madrid.
Telecast Details
India: FanCode
UK: Premier Sports
Spain: RTVE
USA: ESPN+
What is the current league form of both teams heading into this fixture?
Real Madrid enter the match with five consecutive LaLiga victories, whereas Valencia have suffered three defeats in their previous five outings.
Who are the primary absentees for Real Madrid in this away game?
The visitors will miss Jude Bellingham due to a hamstring injury and Vinícius Júnior due to suspension.
What was the result of the previous meeting between these two clubs?
Real Madrid secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Valencia in their most recent league encounter in November 2025.
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