Real Madrid vs Valencia CF Lineups
Football fans everywhere are counting down the minutes until these two Spanish giants collide. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups will soon be revealed, and everyone wants to know who makes the cut. This match brings together the kings of Madrid and the determined bats of Valencia in a battle that always delivers excitement. Whether you support the white shirts or the orange stripes, the team selection tells you everything about how the game might unfold. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this massive La Liga showdown.
The Santiago Bernabéu prepares to host another night of magic under the lights. Real Madrid arrives as league leaders, chasing another trophy for their overflowing cabinet. Valencia arrives fighting for survival, desperate for points to escape the relegation trouble that has haunted their season. When you study the real madrid vs valencia cf lineups, you see two clubs heading in opposite directions but sharing the same burning desire to win. That contrast makes this fixture absolutely unmissable.
Why This Game Matters So Much
For Real Madrid, every match carries enormous weight. They sit at the top of La Liga and cannot afford to slip up. The title race stays tight, and dropping points at home would hurt their chances significantly. Their fans expect dominance, especially at the Bernabéu where they have won every game this season. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups must reflect that winning mentality. Madrid needs stars who can control possession, create chances, and finish clinically. Anything less than three points feels like failure at this club.
Valencia faces a completely different reality. They hover dangerously close to the relegation zone, looking over their shoulder with genuine concern. Every point becomes precious when survival hangs in the balance. A result against the league leaders would transform their season completely. The players know that climbing away from danger starts with performances like this. When fans check the real madrid vs valencia cf lineups today, they look for fighters who will leave everything on the pitch. Pride and points both demand a massive effort.
The history between these clubs adds another layer to this occasion. Over more than 200 meetings, Madrid holds the advantage with over 100 wins. But Valencia has enjoyed famous victories, including a recent triumph at this very stadium earlier in the year. That result proves they can cause shocks when everything clicks. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups prediction must consider this history. Valencia knows they have done it before, and that belief matters enormously.
Team Form Coming Into This Clash
Real Madrid arrives in absolutely blistering form. They have won five matches in a row across all competitions, scoring freely and defending superbly. At home, their record stands perfect with seven wins from seven. Teams simply do not take points at the Bernabéu this season. In their last five games, Madrid has scored 12 goals while conceding just two. That defensive solidity combined with attacking firepower makes them terrifying opponents. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups feature a squad full of confidence and quality.
Their recent victory against Barcelona in El Clásico showed exactly what this team can do. Madrid won 2-1 against their biggest rivals, with Jude Bellingham delivering a man-of-the-match performance. Kylian Mbappé also scored, continuing his incredible scoring run since joining the club. These are players who rise to the biggest occasions. For Valencia, facing this kind of form represents the ultimate challenge. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups highlight a massive gap in momentum between the sides.
Valencia’s form tells a worrying story. They sit just above the relegation zone, with only goal difference keeping them safe in some scenarios. Their away record causes particular concern. In five league matches on the road, they have managed two draws and three losses. No wins anywhere away from home. They have scored only four goals in their last five league matches while conceding eight. The attack struggles to create, and the defense looks vulnerable. For Valencia fans, seeing the real madrid vs valencia cf lineups brings hope that something might change.
But football rarely follows logic. Sometimes, the team under pressure fights harder. The players know that a positive result here would mean everything to their survival hopes. They would become heroes to fans suffering through difficult times. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups will show whether the manager trusts experience or youthful energy to pull off a shock. Either way, motivation will not be lacking.
Injury News and Player Availability
Injuries always shape the real madrid vs valencia cf lineups significantly. For Real Madrid, several key names miss this game through various problems. Ferland Mendy remains sidelined, forcing changes at left-back. Antonio Rüdiger also misses out, weakening the heart of the defense. Éder Militão joins them on the treatment table, leaving Madrid short of experienced center-backs. These absences mean Madrid’s backline will look different from their strongest XI. The depth of their squad faces a serious test.
The biggest blow comes in midfield. Jude Bellingham misses this game through suspension after picking up too many yellow cards. His energy, driving runs, and goalscoring threat will be absent from the real madrid vs valencia cf lineups. Bellingham has been sensational since joining, and replacing his influence is nearly impossible. Vinicius Junior also serves a suspension, meaning Madrid loses one of the world’s most dangerous wingers. Suddenly, the star-studded attack looks significantly weakened. These absences create opportunities for squad players to step up.
Valencia faces their own injury nightmare. The club has suffered a plague of fitness problems this season, with many players missing matches. The defensive line has been hit especially hard. Mouctar Diakhaby underwent surgery for a serious hamstring injury and remains unavailable. Dimitri Foulquier also needed knee surgery and will not feature. Thierry Correia battles injury problems, further depleting the full-back options. When you look at the real madrid vs valencia cf lineups today, the list of absentees tells a sad story.
The center-back position causes particular concern. José Copeta requires meniscus surgery and faces a long spell on the sidelines. This leaves Valencia with very limited options at the heart of defense. They have just three fit center-backs available for this game. All of them will be needed. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups prediction must consider whether these defenders can handle the pace and movement of Madrid’s attackers. It is a massive ask against the league’s most dangerous forward line.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Let’s break down the expected real madrid vs valencia cf lineups for this huge encounter. Real Madrid will likely stick with the formation that has brought them success. Recent matches suggest a 4-3-1-2 setup, allowing them to pack the midfield while still posing a threat up front. Thibaut Courtois starts in goal, bringing his enormous experience and shot-stopping ability. The Belgian remains one of the world’s best goalkeepers and gives his defense huge confidence. In front of him, the back four will need to cope with Valencia’s attacking threats on the break.
At right-back, Federico Valverde continues to impress in an unfamiliar role. The Uruguayan midfielder has adapted brilliantly to defensive duties while still contributing going forward. His energy and athleticism make him perfect for covering lots of ground. Alongside him, David Alaba should feature at center-back if fit, bringing composure and passing quality. Dean Huijsen, the young talent, looks set to partner him after recent impressive displays. On the left, Eduardo Camavinga provides defensive cover and driving runs from deep. This defense looks solid despite the absentees.
The midfield trio will control the game’s tempo. Aurélien Tchouaméni sits deepest, breaking up play and protecting the backline. His physical presence and reading of the game make him invaluable. Alongside him, Dani Ceballos brings technical quality and passing range. Arda Güler, the Turkish wonderkid, adds creativity and vision from midfield. These three must dominate possession and supply the attackers. Just ahead of them, Brahim Díaz should operate in the number ten position, linking midfield and attack. Up front, Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo lead the line, bringing pace, skill, and goals.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-3-1-2)
| Position | Player Name |
| Goalkeeper | Thibaut Courtois |
| Right Back | Federico Valverde |
| Center Back | David Alaba |
| Center Back | Dean Huijsen |
| Left Back | Eduardo Camavinga |
| Defensive Midfield | Aurélien Tchouaméni |
| Central Midfield | Dani Ceballos |
| Central Midfield | Arda Güler |
| Attacking Midfield | Brahim Díaz |
| Forward | Kylian Mbappé |
| Forward | Rodrygo |
Valencia’s predicted setup shows a team fighting for survival. They should line up in a 4-4-2 formation, aiming for defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. Stole Dimitrievski starts in goal, bringing experience between the posts. The Macedonian keeper will need to be at his absolute best to keep Madrid at bay. In front of him, the defense faces a massive test. Dimitri Foulquier and José Gayà should occupy the full-back positions, though Gayà’s fitness requires monitoring. Both need to balance defensive duties with supporting attacks when possible.
The center-back pairing looks vulnerable on paper. Eray Cömert and César Tárrega are expected to start, but both face huge challenges against Mbappé’s pace and movement. They must stay organized and communicate constantly. Any lapse in concentration could prove fatal. In midfield, Luis Rioja and Arnaut Danjuma provide width and attacking threat from the flanks. Filip Ugrinic and Pepelu should operate centrally, trying to win the midfield battle against Madrid’s talented trio. Up front, Lucas Beltrán and Hugo Duro carry the goalscoring hopes. Both work tirelessly and pose threats in behind.
Valencia CF Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)
| Position | Player Name |
| Goalkeeper | Stole Dimitrievski |
| Right Back | Dimitri Foulquier |
| Center Back | Eray Cömert |
| Center Back | César Tárrega |
| Left Back | José Gayà |
| Right Midfield | Luis Rioja |
| Central Midfield | Filip Ugrinic |
| Central Midfield | Pepelu |
| Left Midfield | Arnaut Danjuma |
| Forward | Lucas Beltrán |
| Forward | Hugo Duro |
Key Individual Battles to Watch
Every match features personal duels that shape the final result. In this game, several key battles stand out when examining the real madrid vs valencia cf lineups. The first happens in central midfield. Madrid’s trio of Tchouaméni, Ceballos, and Güler will face Valencia’s Ugrinic and Pepelu. This battle for control of the midfield will determine who dictates the tempo. If Madrid dominates possession here, they can feed their attackers consistently. If Valencia disrupts and wins second balls, they can launch dangerous counters.
The battle between Madrid’s attack and Valencia’s defense looks fascinating. Mbappé and Rodrygo possess frightening pace and movement. They will run at Cömert and Tárrega whenever possible. Valencia’s center-backs lack speed, so they must stay narrow and communicate perfectly. Any space behind them invites disaster. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups show a significant speed advantage for Madrid. Valencia’s defenders must use experience and positioning to compensate. They cannot afford to dive in or lose concentration for a second.
Out wide, another crucial battle develops. Valencia’s full-backs, Foulquier and Gayà, face the difficult task of containing Madrid’s attacking threats. Foulquier must deal with the creativity of Arda Güler drifting wide, while Gayà faces the pace of Rodrygo. Both full-backs need help from their wingers, Rioja and Danjuma, who must track back diligently. If Madrid isolates these full-backs in one-on-one situations, they will cause problems. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups prediction suggests Madrid will target these wide areas relentlessly.
At the other end, Valencia’s attackers look to trouble Madrid’s defense. Hugo Duro works tirelessly, holding the ball up and bringing others into play. He will battle Alaba and Huijsen physically, trying to create space for runners. Danjuma provides genuine threat from wide areas, using his dribbling skills to beat defenders. If he can isolate Camavinga at left-back, chances may appear. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups show Valencia has weapons, even if they lack Madrid’s star quality. They must use them intelligently.
Tactical Approaches From Both Sides
Real Madrid’s tactical approach emphasizes control and penetration. They build patiently from the back, using Courtois and the center-backs to start attacks. The full-backs push high, providing width and overloads. In midfield, Tchouaméni sits deep, allowing the others to roam and create. Güler drifts into half-spaces, finding pockets of space between Valencia’s midfield and defense. Brahim Díaz operates in the hole, linking play and making late runs into the box. This system creates numerical advantages and stretches opposing defenses.
When Madrid loses possession, they press aggressively to win it back quickly. Tchouaméni leads this effort, snapping into tackles and cutting out counter-attacks. The wingers track back, and the full-backs stay tight to their markers. This defensive work rate makes Madrid difficult to play through. They force errors high up the pitch and transition rapidly to attack. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups reflect this commitment to both phases. Every Madrid player understands their defensive responsibilities.
Valencia’s tactical approach must differ completely. They cannot hope to dominate possession against this Madrid side. Instead, they will sit deep, stay compact, and frustrate their opponents. The defensive line will drop off, denying space in behind for Mbappé and Rodrygo to exploit. The midfield will screen the back four, tracking runners and closing down passing lanes. Valencia aims to make the game ugly, disrupting Madrid’s rhythm and flow. If they can reach halftime with the scores level, belief grows.
On the rare occasions Valencia wins the ball, they must transition quickly. The wide players, Rioja and Danjuma, provide the main outlet. They receive the ball and drive forward, aiming to get at Madrid’s defense before it reorganizes. Beltrán and Duro make runs in behind, stretching the play and creating crossing opportunities. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups prediction suggests Valencia will see very little of the ball. When they do have it, they must use it wisely. Wasting possession means inviting more Madrid pressure.
Head to Head History
The all-time record between these clubs makes fascinating reading. Across over 200 competitive meetings, Real Madrid holds a clear advantage with more than 100 victories. Valencia has won around 60 times, while around 44 matches have ended in draws. These numbers show Madrid’s dominance over the decades, but they also reveal that Valencia causes problems regularly. Nearly 60 wins against the biggest club in the world represents a respectable record. At the Mestalla, Valencia’s home advantage becomes even clearer.
Recent meetings continue this pattern of Madrid dominance with occasional Valencia shocks. In November 2025, Madrid thrashed Valencia 4-0 at the Bernabéu in a comprehensive display. Mbappé scored twice, with others also finding the net. That result showed the gap between the sides at present. However, earlier in 2025, Valencia secured a famous 2-1 victory at the Bernabéu, proving they can cause upsets. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups for that game showed a Valencia side willing to battle and take their chances.
The goalscoring numbers reflect Madrid’s attacking quality in this fixture. Across all meetings, Madrid has scored over 400 goals against Valencia, an average of nearly two per game. Valencia has managed nearly 270 goals in reply, a respectable return given the quality difference. These statistics show that games between these sides usually produce goals. Only a small percentage of matches have ended without both teams scoring. Fans attending this fixture can reasonably expect entertainment.
When Valencia does win, the margin tends to be narrow. They grind out results through determination and clinical finishing. When Madrid wins, the margin often grows large. Their attacking quality allows them to punish any defensive weakness ruthlessly. In the last meeting at the Mestalla in February 2026, Madrid won 2-0 in a controlled away performance. They dominated possession, created more chances, and deserved their victory. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups for that match showed Madrid’s tactical superiority on the day.
Star Players Who Can Decide the Game
Kylian Mbappé stands as the obvious danger man in this fixture. The French superstar has enjoyed an incredible season, scoring goals consistently. His pace terrifies defenders, and his finishing proves clinical from any angle. Against Valencia’s depleted defense, Mbappé will scent blood. He loves big occasions and delivers when his team needs him most. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups feature a player who can decide the game with a single moment of brilliance. Valencia must double-team him and hope he has an off day.
Jude Bellingham misses this game through suspension, which significantly weakens Madrid’s midfield. His absence means Madrid loses their leading goalscorer from midfield and their most dynamic runner. Bellingham arrives late in the box, creates chances for others, and drives his team forward. Without him, Madrid must find creativity elsewhere. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups will miss his presence enormously. Arda Güler and Dani Ceballos must step up and provide the creativity Bellingham usually offers.
For Valencia, Arnaut Danjuma represents their main attacking threat. The Dutch winger has scored goals and added assists recently, showing excellent form. His dribbling ability causes problems for any full-back. If he can isolate Camavinga in one-on-one situations, chances may appear. Danjuma also works hard defensively, tracking back to help his full-back. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups show a player capable of producing something special. He must be at his absolute best for Valencia to have any chance.
Hugo Duro leads the line with tireless running and physical presence. The Spanish striker holds the ball up well, brings others into play, and poses a constant threat in the air. Against Madrid’s center-backs, he will face a physical battle. If he can win headers and hold possession, Valencia can relieve pressure and build attacks. Duro also works defensively, pressing Madrid’s defenders and forcing errors. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups prediction suggests Duro’s performance could determine whether Valencia sustains any attacking threat.
Match Prediction
Predicting this match requires balancing several factors. Madrid’s incredible home form makes them overwhelming favorites. They have won every home game this season and score goals freely. Valencia’s terrible away record points toward another difficult afternoon. They struggle to score on the road and concede too many goals. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups show a huge gap in quality between the sides. Madrid fields superstars; Valencia fields battlers. On paper, only one outcome seems likely.
However, football rarely follows the script. Valencia knows they can cause shocks, having won at the Bernabéu earlier this year. They also have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The pressure sits entirely on Madrid’s shoulders. They must win to maintain their title charge. Valencia can play with freedom, knowing few expect anything from them. If they score first, the dynamic changes completely. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups prediction must account for these intangibles.
Realistically, Madrid’s quality should prevail. Even without Bellingham and Vinicius, they possess more than enough firepower. Mbappé alone can destroy defenses on his day. Rodrygo provides pace and skill. Güler offers creativity from midfield. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups suggest Madrid will dominate possession, create numerous chances, and eventually break Valencia down. The only question involves how many goals they score.
A 3-0 home victory looks the most probable outcome based on current form. Madrid wins big at home against weaker opposition. Valencia struggles badly on the road. The combination points toward a comfortable evening for the home side. But Valencia’s players will fight for pride. They will make Madrid work for every inch. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups guarantee effort from the visitors, even if quality ultimately decides the result. Fans should expect an entertaining game with goals at one end and defiance at the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the match kick off?
The game takes place at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid. Kickoff happens in the evening local time. Check your local listings for exact timing in your region.
Which TV channel shows the game?
Broadcasting rights vary by country. In the USA, major sports networks usually carry La Liga matches. Streaming services also offer coverage. Check your local providers.
Who is injured for Real Madrid?
Madrid misses several key players including Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rüdiger, and Éder Militão through injury. Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior also miss out through suspension.
Can Valencia win at the Bernabéu?
Yes, Valencia has won at the Bernabéu before, including earlier this year. They know they can cause shocks, though it remains a difficult task against this Madrid side.
What formation will Valencia use?
Valencia should line up in a 4-4-2 formation. This setup prioritizes defensive solidity while allowing quick counter-attacks through their wide players.
How important is this game for the league?
Enormously important for both clubs. Madrid needs wins to stay top of the table. Valencia needs points to climb away from the relegation zone.
Final Thoughts
The stage is set for another memorable chapter in this historic rivalry. When the real madrid vs valencia cf lineups flash up on screens worldwide, fans will analyze every name and every position. They will look for clues about how the game might unfold. They will hope their heroes deliver something special. That is the beauty of football. Before a ball is kicked, anything feels possible.
For Real Madrid, this represents another opportunity to showcase their quality. Despite injuries and suspensions, they field a team packed with talent. Courtois guards the goal with authority. Tchouaméni patrols midfield with power. Mbappé hunts goals with relentless hunger. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups show a team built to win trophies. They will attack from the first whistle.
For Valencia, this game offers a chance to prove their character. Injuries have hit them hard, and results have disappointed. But pride remains. The famous badge on their shirts carries history and meaning. Players like Gayà and Duro understand what representing Valencia means. They will fight for every ball and believe until the final whistle. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups feature men ready to battle against the odds.
As fans, we win either way. We get to watch two clubs with proud histories compete at the highest level. We get to see world-class talents display their skills. So find your spot on the couch and get ready for kickoff. The real madrid vs valencia cf lineups are just the beginning. The real story unfolds over 90 minutes of passion, skill, and drama. Enjoy every second of it.
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