Three talking points ahead of Real Madrid vs Valencia | La Liga GW 30 | OneFootball

When Real Madrid took on Valencia earlier this season, Hugo Duro opened the scoring for Los Che in just the 27th minute. The game grew from bad to worse in the 79th minute when Vinicius Jr. was sent off and Los Blancos appeared set to drop points.

Goals from Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham late in the game, however, propelled the men in white back to the lead and enabled them to take home the win from Mestalla. Yet, that is far from what Real Madrid will hope for tomorrow.

Now hanging on to the league title race with no margin for error, Real Madrid will wish for a comfortable result against Valencia to put the pressure on Barcelona who face a more tricky opponent later in the day in the form of Real Betis.

Yet, a lot must change if that is to happen, especially given the Merengues‘ recent form.

Madrid Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Real Madrid vs Valencia.

A goalkeeping concern

Carlo Ancelotti has had to dig deep to work through Real Madrid’s injury crisis this season across the field.

While the defence has indeed been the epicentre of the problem, Los Blancos have had periods where they have lacked resources in both midfield and the attacking department.

The goalkeeping position, however, has been one that was considered largely secure, until now. With Thibaut Courtois out with a niggle, Andriy Lunin replaced the Belgian as Real Madrid’s goalkeeper in the past two games.

In what comes as a big blow, however, the Ukrainian star suffered a muscular setback in the recent 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad and is thus a doubt for the game against Valencia.

Both shotstoppers, thus, are unlikely to make it in time to play on Saturday afternoon and Ancelotti may be forced to call on the youth team star Fran Gonzalez to make his debut on the day.

There may be confidence in the youngster, but it is certainly an unpleasant situation for Real Madrid and a mild cause of concern.

Defensive reforms are needed

Real Madrid need to tighten up in defence. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s season so far has been far from ideal, but the team has survived massive criticism only because they manage to pull out wins regardless through moments of magic.

Such results, however, can only take Los Blancos so far and it is clear that the defence must improve significantly if the team is to finish on the podium across competitions.

The past few weeks have perhaps been Real Madrid’s worst in terms of their defensive record and the situation is almost embarrassing.

The Merengues’ last clean sheet, after all, was in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal against Real Sociedad in February. Since then, Ancelotti’s men have conceded 12 goals in just seven games and serious questions have to be raised.

If Real Madrid are to take three vital points tomorrow, it is vital that the defence steps up and eyes a clean sheet. After all, dropping points at this stage would be suicidal to their hopes of defending the league crown.

Momentum needed for Europe

Since their return from the international break, Real Madrid have already played two games in two different competitions. Next week, they will re-enter into the third and biggest competition – the UEFA Champions League – this time in the quarterfinal of the event.

Arsenal await Ancelotti’s men in the final eight stage and it is clear that Real Madrid must do far better than they currently are if they are to get past the Gunners. There is, however, not much time to find their footing once more.

Tomorrow’s game against Valencia, in many ways, will set the tone for Real Madrid’s upcoming Champions League tie and the team have no option but to step up.

Real Madrid may be the kings of Europe, but it is no secret that the team’s momentum has a large role to play in the psychological aspect of the buildup to the game.

Heading to the Emirates off a win is exactly what Real Madrid will hope for, and their chance of making it a reality will be in their hands tomorrow. A big game awaits.