Real Madrid vs Valencia: Predicted Lineups, Key Absences, and Tactical Updates
Real Madrid’s Setup: Strength, Depth, and a Glimpse at the Future
No club handles pressure like Real Madrid. Just hours before kickoff against Valencia, Los Blancos confirmed a star-studded starting XI. The big news? Real Madrid fans get to see Andriy Lunin back between the sticks, his return from injury arriving with perfect timing as Madrid juggles domestic and European ambitions.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti isn’t much for surprises at the back, but there’s a twist: Lucas Vázquez starts at right-back, flanked by Antonio Rüdiger and Aurélien Tchouaméni in the heart of defense. Fran García keeps his spot on the left after a string of solid games. With Éder Militão still out, the central pairing carries extra importance—Rüdiger’s no-nonsense approach pairs well with Tchouaméni’s athleticism and anticipation, though this isn’t Tchouaméni’s usual role.
The midfield might look familiar, but those paying attention know that workload management is the name of the game. Luka Modrić, the ageless anchor, lines up with hard-running Federico Valverde and versatile Tchouaméni (who’ll shift forward in phases). Valverde’s playing time might be limited with Champions League fixtures looming, pushing Ancelotti to keep a close watch on his engine room.
Madrid’s attacking options read like a wish-list: Brahim Díaz and Jude Bellingham provide guile and late runs, while Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé offer pace and unpredictability. Opponents rarely enjoy defending against this blend of movement, speed, and slick passing. Everything points to Madrid wanting three points with style before shifting focus to Europe.
Valencia’s Tactical Rejig: Coping with Injuries and Seeking an Upset
On the other side, Valencia head coach Rubén Baraja has to play the hand he’s dealt. His team, buoyed by strong recent form but hampered on the road, travel to an unforgiving Bernabéu with forced changes throughout the squad. Starting in goal, Giorgi Mamardashvili keeps his place and will be busy from the opening minutes.
The backline undergoes another shuffle, this time with Jesús Vázquez and Yarek Gasiorowski drafted in due to injuries. Thierry Correia and Cristian Rivero both miss out, which ramp up the pressure on replacements who don’t have much time to settle in. Jesùs Vázquez steps in at left-back and will likely be asked to contain Vinícius Jr., arguably the league’s most dangerous winger.
Valencia’s midfield duo of Javi Guerra and Enzo Barrenechea take control responsibilities. Barrenechea’s recent performances have drawn praise, but facing Modrić and Valverde at the Bernabéu is another level entirely. If Valencia find any foothold in the game, it’ll likely come from controlling central areas and keeping the tempo slow—or at least unpredictable.
Up top, Umar Sadiq leads the line. His physicality and knack for popping up in dangerous spots give Valencia hope. The trio of Fran Pérez, André Almeida, and Sadiq will try to exploit Madrid’s occasional defensive gaps, but it’ll be a challenge with much of the play expected to tilt toward their half.
Valencia’s away record is the elephant in the room. Despite momentum at home, their struggles on the road are well documented, and the Santiago Bernabéu rarely gives visitors a break. Even so, the underdogs have a chance if they can weather Madrid’s early storm and take advantage of any Champions League distraction in the home camp.
Fans tuning in expect fireworks. Madrid’s depth, Valencia’s patched-up defense, and two managers who know how much this stretch of the season means. One side is chasing a title, the other angling for a big upset. That kind of tension always brings drama.