Real Madrid vs Valencia: Match preview | OneFootball

Real Madrid turn their attention back to La Liga after securing their place in the Copa del Rey final following an eight-goal thriller against Real Sociedad on Tuesday.

The Whites continue their title defence this afternoon at 16:15 CET as they host Valencia at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on matchday 30 of the Spanish top division.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men have lost just once in their last five matches but off the back of their last couple of matches in which they have conceded a combined six goals, there is enough pressure on the team to do better, especially ahead of the Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal.

Against Valencia, Real Madrid are set to be without Thibaut Courtois, whereas Andriy Lunin might also be on the bench after suffering an injury in the Sociedad game in spite of being named in the matchday squad.

Besides the goalkeepers, Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy are not going to make the cut due to fitness problems.

Kylian Mbappe was the match-winner last time against Leganes and has four goals in his previous two league outings, so he will look to prolong his good run of form. Elsewhere, Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Junior will look to chip in with the goods up front too. The latter was particularly impressive in the cup game midweek.

Valencia, who have escaped the relegation zone after four straight games without a defeat, are set to be without three suspended players with Dimitri Foulquier, Jose Gaya and Luis Rioja all out of the trip to Madrid. Thierry Correia and Ivan Jaime, meanwhile, are going to be absent due to injuries.

Los Che’s top scorer in the division is Diego Lopez, who has seven goals to his name, while their danger men also include the pacey Umar Sadiq and former Real Madrid player Hugo Duro.

Valencia and Real Madrid have already faced off earlier in 2025 as the Whites came back from a goal down to win 2-1 at the Mestalla. Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham were on target for them away from home, while Vinicius Junior received a controversial red card in the game as well.

Another interesting battle is set to ensue between the two sides today and the Merengues will look for three more points as they continue to chase Barcelona in the La Liga title race.