Soccer Spain LaLiga Prediction

Valencia vs Real Madrid - Match Preview

⚽ 21 May 2023 - 16:30 GMT +0

Although Valencia’s 2-1 win over Celta Vigo lifted them up the La Liga (LL) standings, they start this matchday only three points ahead of the side in 18th place. With four games to go, their destiny remains in their own hands and there are encouraging signs as they’re now on a run of losing just one of their last five league games (W3, D1).

Key to their late-season revival has been improved home form as they’ve lost only one of their last six LL games as hosts (W3, D2) and impressively only one of the last four H2Hs here (W2, D1). That defeat did come last term, although with both teams scoring in each of the last ten meetings at this ground, there could at least be goals aplenty in this one.

The situation at both ends of the table could be further complicated if Real Madrid is punished for an alleged substitution infringement against Getafe (W-1-0). Losing three more LL points would be another unwelcome blow following their 4-0 thrashing by Manchester City which ended their UEFA Champions League (UCL) defence, leaving them with just second place in the league to play for following their Copa del Rey win earlier this month.

After matchday 34, they had a two-point advantage over city rivals Atlético, so it could go down to the wire, especially given their recent struggles away from home. Los Blancos have won just one of their last five LL road fixtures (D1, L3) so they’ll be hoping that the lack of any other distractions can help them focus fully on the job they need to do in the league.

📋 Players to watch: Valencia’s Hugo Duro opened the scoring in this fixture last term and both of his LL goal contributions this season (G1, A1) came at home. Briefly a Madrid player, he once came on as a substitute in the UCL for Marco Asensio, who opened the scoring for Madrid in February’s reverse fixture.

⚡ Hot stat: There’s been an average of 11.4 corners per game across Valencia’s last five LL matches.