- Date and Time: Friday, 3 January, 2025, 3:00 AM ET
- Venue: Mestalla, Valencia, Spain
- Competition: La Liga
| Odds via 20bet | |
| Valencia vs Real Madrid | Friday, 3 January, 2024, 3:00 AM ET |
| Valencia odds | -714 |
| Real Madrid odds | +1800 |
| Draw | +780 |
| Over\Under | Total 2.5: -250/+205 |
Valencia vs Real Madrid Preview
Valencia
With the club struggling in 19th place, club owner Peter Lim sacked club legend Rubén Baraja just before Christmas. In his letter, Baraja said he’s left his soul at the club. This led to fans support him despite the lack of results.
The timing was peculiar. It happened after midnight, leading to conspiracy theories that Lim wanted the news to gain less traction and avoid criticism.
Several fan groups have called on others to boycott the match against Real Madrid in protest against Peter Lim. The game was initially scheduled for November, but floods caused by the DANA storm forced La Liga to reschedule it for early January.
Official statement | Carlos Corberán
Welcome to Valencia CF, Carlos! 🤝
🔗 https://t.co/pYEWBwI5Ux#BenvingutCorberán #VCFDNA pic.twitter.com/Kj1KSw80gS
— Valencia CF (@valenciacf_en) December 25, 2024
Two days after Christmas, the club announced the appointment of Carlos Corberán, a former assistant of Leeds’ Marcelo Bielsa. Although Corberán previously played for Valencia rivals Villarreal, most fans have welcomed the move, seeing a long-term project in Corberán.
Los Che haven’t won since their 4-2 victory against Betis in La Liga. They were held to draws in their last two matches against Deportivo Alavés (2-2) and Espanyol (1-1). The team also lost to last-placed Real Valladolid (1-0) and Rayo Vallecano (1-0).
Giorgi Mamardashvili, Mouctar Diakhaby, José Gayà, Thierry Correia, and Fran Pérez remain sidelined.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid are currently second in La Liga, one point behind their derby rivals Atlético de Madrid. They dropped points in Vallecas (3-3) in a chaotic fixture that saw Rayo Vallecano take a 2-0 lead before Real Madrid equalized.
Despite facing criticism for their lack of cohesive pressing, Carlo Ancelotti’s team has only been defeated twice this season. Once against Athletic in early December (2-1) and again in Barcelona in late October (4-0).
English Media and fanbase: “Arne Slot’s Liverpool has the potential to be the best football team itw, why’s Trent Alexander-Arnold not renewing?”
Well, David Beckham answered it long ago about Real Madrid’s greatness:pic.twitter.com/bppGRxb3QZ
— Tamoghna (@ReyesDeUniverso) December 29, 2024
The club has been linked with Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. Relevo claimed that Real Madrid are aiming to close a deal with the Reds by the end of January. Liverpool reportedly offered a contract renewal, which the player has allegedly refused.
Los Blancos are looking to sign Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies, although negotiations aren’t as advanced as with the Englishman.
Valencia vs Real Madrid Prediction
- Pick: Real Madrid to win
- Odds: -238 (20Bet)
- Score prediction: Valencia 0-2 Real Madrid
Real Madrid are undoubtedly the favorites, and Valencia’s recent coaching change further supports this. Teams generally need time to adapt to a new manager, and the players will have had only a week with their new coach before the match.
Furthermore, the team have struggled to function as a cohesive unit, relying instead on individual performances. This approach worked to some extent last season, but it hasn’t been effective this time around. Talented players like Pepelu and Musah have been unable to perform at their best.
🏋️♂️🔛🔋🏃♂️#RMCity pic.twitter.com/O0GiLpYXbg
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 30, 2024
Real Madrid’s defense may suffer due to injuries, but players like Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Jr. pose enough of a threat to secure victory.
Valencia vs Real Madrid Prediction, Betting Tip
- Pick: Jude Bellingham to score
- Odds: +200 (20Bet)
One of the players that we selected for our best five in La Liga in the last two months is none other than Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Englishman weave his magic and score a solo goal through Valencia’s defensive gaps.
Valencia vs Real Madrid Where to Watch (USA, Canada)
- ESPN+, (USA)
- TSN+ (Canada)
