Overview
After a period of struggling when key players were injured, Real Madrid has been gradually coming back recently. In the last 5 matches, Los Blancos won 4 and drew 1.
"The White Vultures" won the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and surpassed Barcelona to rise to 2nd place in La Liga. The recent series of good results has given coach Carlo Ancelotti's team a significant boost in confidence.
Real Madrid head into the game against Valencia following a 4-2 win over Sevilla a few weeks ago, with Kylian Mbappe again on target. The Frenchman's progress has been indicative of Los Blancos' general resurgence in recent months.
Meanwhile, Valencia are second to last in the table and have gone five consecutive games without a win in La Liga. However, to be fair, Valencia's home form this season has not been too bad.
They won 2, drew 3 and lost 3 when playing at Mestalla. This is a positive result for a team like Valencia who is racing to avoid relegation.
Real Madrid with superior force and motivation to win the top spot will be rated higher in this match. However, Valencia will try to take advantage of home field to make it difficult for the opponent.
In terms of head-to-head record, Valencia are unbeaten in their last two home matches against Real Madrid (1 win, 1 draw).
Human resources situation
Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili picked up an injury before the winter break and remains a doubt, while experienced defenders Mouctar Diakhaby and Jose Luis Gaya are also absent, while Pepelu is suspended.
On the other side of the front line, Vinicius will return to the squad after missing the match against Sevilla due to suspension. The away team's absentees for this match are David Alaba, Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal.
Expected lineup:
Valencia: Dimitrievski, Foulquier, Muslimra, Gasiorowski, Luis Rioja, Barrenechea, Javi Guerra, Sergi Canos, Almeida, Diego Lopez, Hugo Duro.
Real Madrid: Courtois, Lucas Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, Fede Valverde, Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius, Mbappe.
The match between Valencia and Real Madrid takes place at 3:00 a.m. on January 4 (Vietnam time).
