Real Madrid welcome Valencia to the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday evening, looking to extend their remarkable winning streak and strengthen their position at the top of La Liga.
Real Madrid vs Valencia – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 1st November.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST.
- Venue: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid.
Real Madrid Team News
Club captain Dani Carvajal underwent knee surgery earlier this week and is expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks after suffering a loose joint issue during El Clásico. The injury affects the same knee where he ruptured ligaments in October 2024.
This development opens the door for Trent Alexander-Arnold to make his first start since mid-September. The England international has recovered from a hamstring injury that kept him out for six weeks and was included on the bench for the Barcelona clash. Spanish reports suggest “there is no doubt” he will start against Valencia.
Antonio Rudiger remains sidelined with a serious muscular injury sustained during the September international break and will be unavailable for another couple of months. David Alaba is a major doubt after missing Real Madrid’s last two matches due to a calf issue.
Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin will serve a one-match suspension after being sent off in the closing stages of El Clásico.
On a positive note, Vinícius Júnior issued a public apology earlier this week for his angry reaction to being substituted against Barcelona. The Brazilian forward, who has been instrumental this season, is expected to feature prominently alongside Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham in attack.
Valencia Team News
Carlos Corberán’s side faces an uphill battle with several key absences. Mouctar Diakhaby will be out until December after suffering a hamstring injury to his right leg against Girona in October. The defender was originally expected back in early November, but additional tests revealed a longer recovery period.
Dimitri Foulquier and Largie Ramazani are also definitely ruled out through injury, while Filip Ugrinic needs to be assessed ahead of the match.
Hugo Duro suffered a knock during Valencia’s 5-0 Copa del Rey victory over UD Maracena on Tuesday, though it is hoped the impact is minor. The striker, along with Arnaut Danjuma, has been Valencia’s main offensive threat this season, with both forwards netting four goals in all competitions this season.
Baptiste Santamaria is expected to feature in midfield, while veteran defender José Gayà will anchor the backline at the Bernabéu.
Form
Real Madrid
Real Madrid have won nine of their opening 10 league fixtures, with their only defeat coming away to Atlético Madrid in a 5-2 thriller. Kylian Mbappé has been in sensational form, scoring 11 goals in 10 La Liga appearances this season, including the opening goal in El Clásico.
Jude Bellingham scored his first La Liga goal of the campaign against Barcelona, netting the crucial winner in the 43rd minute. The England midfielder has now scored the match-winner against Barcelona three times in his Real Madrid career.
Valencia
Valencia’s domestic form has been worrying, with Carlos Corberán’s side failing to win any of their last five La Liga matches. Los Che sit precariously in 18th position with just nine points from 10 games—a record of two wins, three draws, and five defeats.
Their most recent league outing saw them suffer a 2-0 home defeat to third-placed Villarreal in the Derbi de la Comunitat. However, they bounced back with a morale-boosting 5-0 thrashing of lower-league UD Maracena in the Copa del Rey first round on Tuesday.
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Valverde, Güler; Bellingham; Mbappé, Vinícius.
Valencia: Agirrezabala; Correia, Tárrega, Copete, Gayà; Rioja, Pepelu, Santamaría, López; Duro, Danjuma.
How to Watch Real Madrid vs Valencia?
In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Disney+ as part of their Saturday evening La Liga coverage.
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