Real Madrid Clash with Valencia: Battle Preview, Bold Predictions & Starting XI Revealed
La Liga table-toppers Real Madrid return to action as they welcome 18th-placed Valencia to the Santiago Bernabéu this Saturday.
In the most significant match of Xabi Alonso's tenure thus far, Real Madrid controlled Barcelona and secured a 2–1 triumph in El Clásico in their previous outing. This success broke a four-match losing run against their arch-nemeses and established a five-point advantage at the summit.
Apart from a challenging loss to city neighbors Atlético Madrid, Los Blancos maintain an unblemished record in the 2025–26 campaign. Alonso's reign has commenced brilliantly, and they aim to extend their excellent run in their sole home fixture throughout November.
Theoretically, Los Blancos should prevail with ease. Valencia remain without victory in their past five La Liga encounters, and their disappointing displays have relegated them to the drop zone. While Valencia triumphed over Real Madrid in their previous encounter, Alonso's squad appears considerably stronger than last campaign's version.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of Real Madrid vs. Valencia.
What Time Does Real Madrid vs. Valencia Kick-Off?
Real Madrid vs. Valencia Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Real Madrid | Valencia |
|---|---|
Real Madrid 2–1 Barcelona - 10/26/25 | UD Maracena 0–5 Valencia - 10/28/25 |
Real Madrid 1–0 Juventus - 10/22/25 | Valencia 0–2 Villarreal - 10/25/25 |
Getafe 0–1 Real Madrid - 10/19/25 | Deportivo Alavés 0–0 Valencia - 10/12/25 |
Real Madrid 3–1 Villarreal - 10/4/25 | Girona 2–1 Valencia - 10/4/25 |
Kairat 0–5 Real Madrid - 9/30/25 | Valencia 1–2 Real Oviedo - 9/30/25 |
How to Watch Real Madrid vs. Valencia on TV
Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | ESPN Select, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes, fuboTV |
United Kingdom | Disney+ Premium |
Canada | TSN+, Prime Video |
Mexico | Sky+, Sky Sports |
Real Madrid Team News
Alonso will undoubtedly consider his team's upcoming journey to Anfield against Liverpool next Tuesday, making changes to the lineup that beat Barcelona last weekend likely.
Franco Mastantuono and Rodrygo might join the starting XI to support Kylian Mbappé in the forward line. Raúl Asencio should also receive the opportunity to substitute Éder Militão in defense, with the Brazilian needing rest.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is anticipated to return after six weeks out, though a substitute appearance seems more probable to ensure the England star is fully prepared for his much-awaited Anfield homecoming next week.
Dani Carvajal sustained a knee problem that may keep him out for the remainder of 2025, leaving Federico Valverde set to feature at right-back. Ferland Mendy has also recovered from injury and might make his seasonal debut during the second period.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Valencia
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Valencia (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Mastantuono, Bellingham, Rodrygo; Mbappé.
Valencia Team News
A commanding 5–0 Copa del Rey triumph midweek should provide Valencia with confidence entering this fixture. Nevertheless, Carlos Corberán's team faces injury concerns among key players and confronts a difficult task securing a positive outcome against the division leaders.
Mouctar Diakhaby, Largie Ramazani, Dimitri Foulquier and Filip Ugrinić have all been sidelined for the journey to Spain's capital. Corberán must utilize an improvised formation, particularly in the middle of the park.
Thankfully for Valencia, Hugo Duro avoided serious harm midweek and should be ready to join Arnaut Danjuma in the attacking partnership.
Whatever the starting eleven, goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala must deliver an outstanding performance if the away side hopes to compete.
Valencia Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid
Valencia predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-4-2): Agirrezabala; Correia, Tárrega, Copete, Gayá; Rioja, Guerra, Pepelu, López; Danjuma, Duro.
Real Madrid vs. Valencia Score Prediction
Despite Alonso making squad changes, Real Madrid should comfortably overcome a faltering team destined for a season-long relegation battle.
Seeking revenge following last season's home defeat to Valencia, Real Madrid won't underestimate their opposition and will be determined to demonstrate the quality difference between both clubs.
Los Blancos will control proceedings throughout and overpower their guests. Mbappé will extend his scoring form and Alonso's team will conclude the day with an eight-point lead at La Liga's peak.