Real Madrid’s players
Real Madrid host Valencia on Saturday evening at the Santiago Bernabéu in a crucial Matchday 30 clash in La Liga. Los Blancos are determined to maintain pressure on league leaders Barcelona, who are three points ahead, while the bats are desperate for a result that would pull them further away from relegation danger.
Current Standing in La Liga
Real Madrid enter the match on a high after qualifying for the Copa del Rey final by beating Real Sociedad. They’ve also found relative stability in La Liga, most recently securing a 3-2 win over Leganés, keeping them close to Barcelona and the title race alive.
Valencia, on the other hand, come into the match following a 1-0 win over Real Mallorca, bringing them up to 32 points in 15th place. However, they remain just four points clear of the relegation zone.
Head-to-Head History: Real Madrid vs Valencia
The two sides have met 179 times in La Liga, with Real Madrid winning 94, Valencia 47, and 38 matches ending in a draw.
The hosts come into this game as strong favorites, having won 12 of their 14 home matches this season, alongside one draw and one loss.
This is Real Madrid’s second consecutive home game against a relegation-threatened side—a golden opportunity to strengthen their points tally. Meanwhile, Valencia have not won at the Bernabéu since the 2007–2008 season, and have yet to secure a single away victory this season, registering 7 draws and 7 defeats.
Tactical Analysis
Real Madrid
| Carlo Ancelotti in the pre-match press conference:
“We’re in good shape, though a bit uncertain after extra time. The team is optimistic and excited. We know Valencia are playing well. It will be a balanced and tough match. We’re ready to fight—this is a crucial moment in the season.”
Real Madrid will stick to their typical style: relying on crosses, long balls, and pinpoint passing. The team leverages individual brilliance to break open matches. A major focus will be on securing the backline, especially against counterattacks—a consistent vulnerability even against weaker opponents.
Valencia
| Carlos Corberán said in his press conference:
“We know exactly how challenging it is to face Real Madrid. We haven’t won at the Bernabéu in 17 years—that shows how tough this will be. But we come into this game with hunger and ambition. They know we can compete.”
Corberán’s Valencia uses a flexible, dynamic setup that emphasizes defensive organization and closing down spaces. Quick transitions and fast breaks will be their main weapon, exploiting Real Madrid’s occasional defensive lapses.
Key Factors for Victory
Real Madrid
- Imposing early controlthrough quick passing and sustained possession.
- Utilizing the movement of Vinícius and Mbappéto stretch Valencia’s backline.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Real Madrid
Strengths:
- Potent Attack:
With 62 goals this season, Madrid boast the second-best attacking record in La Liga. - Passing Accuracy:
Averaging 547.3 accurate passes per game with an 89.9% success rate (per SofaScore), their midfield control is top-tier. - Possession Dominance:
Holding 61% average possession gives them the ability to dictate tempo.
Weaknesses:
- Defensive Frailty:
Madrid have conceded 29 goals, indicating issues in defensive transitions—especially vulnerable to counterattacks. - Struggles Against Deep Blocks:
Real Madrid often find it hard to penetrate compact, defensive lines, a tactic likely to be used by Valencia.
Real Madrid Key Players
- Kylian Mbappé:22 goals, 3 assists
- Vinícius Júnior:10 goals, 5 assists
- Jude Bellingham:8 goals, 6 assists
- Rodrygo Goes:6 goals, 5 assists
Valencia
Valencia will aim to disrupt Real Madrid’s rhythm with high pressing and fast counters. Their key tactical focus will be on closing down central spaces and denying Vinícius and Mbappé the opportunity to operate in the final third.
Strengths:
- Defensive Solidity:
Valencia average 17.2 successful defensive interventions per game—better than Madrid—which helps in stalling opposition attacks. - Dangerous Counters:
Quick transitions are their most effective strategy, especially against teams like Real Madrid that commit numbers forward.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of Firepower:
With only 32 goals this season, Valencia’s attack has been underwhelming. - Inconsistent Passing:
They complete only 80.8% of their passes, averaging 329.6 accurate passes per game—far lower than Madrid, making build-up play more difficult.
Valencia are aware that an open game would be suicidal. Instead, they’ll focus on defensive discipline and opportunistic counters. Yet, their limited offensive output and poor passing accuracy may ultimately hinder their chances.
Valencia Key Players
- López Noguerol:7 goals, 3 assists
- Hugo Duro:7 goals, 2 assists
- Luis Rioja:4 goals, 3 assists
- Umar Sadiq:4 goals, 0 assists
Expected Scenario
Real Madrid are likely to open with aggressive possession-based football and swift ball circulation. Valencia will aim to soak up pressure and strike on the break. Given the disparity in quality and recent form, Madrid are clear favorites, though Valencia could spring a surprise if their tactical discipline holds firm.
source: https://madridball.substack.com/
