Real Madrid Faces Mestalla Test Amid Key Absences
Real Madrid heads to Mestalla with a mission: keep pace with Barcelona in LaLiga. The team arrives on the back of a dramatic win over Rayo Vallecano, where a stoppage-time penalty from Kylian Mbappé secured all three points. That victory extended their league winning streak to five matches, giving them momentum as they face a historically tough Valencia side.
Coach Álvaro Arbeloa has had the luxury of a clear schedule this week, allowing him to prepare carefully and assess returning players. Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to slot back in at right-back, offering relief to Fede Valverde, who can now return to a more central midfield role. Rüdiger and Mendy are also pushing for returns, strengthening a Real Madrid squad that will nonetheless miss some key figures. Vinícius Júnior sits out due to suspension, while Bellingham and Rodrygo are sidelined with injuries, alongside Militao. These absences leave gaps in attack and midfield that Arbeloa must address tactically.
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The likely formation shows Courtois guarding the goal, with Asencio and Huijsen pairing in central defense, flanked by Carreras on the left and Trent on the right. The midfield trio of Tchouaméni, Camavinga and Valverde will provide both defensive cover and transitional support, while Arda Güler joins Mbappé and either Brahim or Mastantuono in attack. Mbappé, leading the scoring charts with 22 goals, is the clear focal point, expected to challenge Valencia’s defense relentlessly.
Valencia, on the other hand, approaches this match under pressure. With only five wins in the league and recent setbacks in both LaLiga and the Copa del Rey, the home side cannot afford another slip. Coach Baraja relies on experienced players like Gayà, Pepelu and Hugo Duro to stabilize the team. Mestalla has been a fortress in past weeks and Valencia will look to exploit any openings left by Madrid’s missing stars.
This match carries significant implications. A win for Real Madrid keeps them within striking distance of Barcelona, while a Valencia victory could ignite a crucial turnaround and build confidence against top opponents. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, as both teams understand the stakes.
Fans can follow the live action on DAZN, with coverage starting just before the 21:00 CET kickoff. Stay tuned for updates on lineups, key moments and post-match analysis as these two sides battle it out in one of Spain’s most compelling fixtures.
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