Real Madrid v Valencia: Line-ups, stats and preview
Real Madrid host Valencia tomorrow. Read our in-depth preview here...
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Preview for Real Madrid v Valencia
The days following a Clasico victory are normally set aside for basking in glory. However, it has been a different week at the Santiago Bernabéu after a chaotic win over Barcelona was overshadowed by the antics of star winger Vinicius Jr.
The Brazil international stormed off after being substituted in the 72nd minute and disappeared down the tunnel, rather than take his place on the bench. When he did return he promptly took a leading role in a post-match fracas involving several Madrid players and Barca’s Lamine Yamal.
Vinicius Jr has since apologised after a face-to-face meeting with Xabi Alonso on Wednesday, although, perhaps markedly, there was no confirmation of him saying sorry directly to the Real Madrid boss in either the statement or in Alonso’s press conference this morning.
It seems an uneasy truce, although the best way for their personal relationship to get back on track is by the player returning to the level he showed prior to his Ballon d’Or disappointment last year.
That starts tomorrow against a Valencia side that will arrive at the Bernabeu in the relegation zone.
And Alonso is keen for Madrid to ensure their focus is fully trained on what’s to come, not what’s happened.
“Valencia won at the Bernabéu last year,” he said. “The coach [Carlos Coberan] prepares his teams well. We need to be alert because after a great victory, sometimes you lower the focus a little.”
Madrid visit Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday but Alonso is not yet focusing on the clash with the out-of-form Merseysiders, adding: “I’m not thinking about Tuesday, but tomorrow. Thinking about Valencia.”
Valencia have not won any of their last five La Liga games but they did see off Maracena 5-0 in the Copa del Rey in midweek.
The pressure is starting to mount on Corberan and the former West Brom boss is hoping for an improved display. He said: “We prepare each game with the utmost enthusiasm, convinced of our possibilities. We must play a very good game in defence because Madrid force you to do it. We must have resilience and personality to help each other a lot and manage the moments without reducing the options in attack.”
Corberan dismissed the thought of changing systems to try to help his side out of their slump.
He added: “For me there are no systems that guarantee results. I believe a lot in the conviction of the staff in what we do. What you should not do is stop doing what you are capable of doing.”
Team News for Real Madrid v Valencia
Madrid will be without right-back Dani Carvajal for several weeks after he underwent surgery on his right knee.
Alonso has to decide whether to play Trent Alexander-Arnold following his lay-off or stick with Fede Valverde on the right of a back four.
Antonio Rudiger remains sidelined and Andriy Lunin is suspended after being sent off in the post-match melee last weekend.
Valencia have no new injury worries and will use the same squad that lost 2-0 to Villarreal last weekend.
Predicted line-ups for Real Madrid v Valencia
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Guler, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Bellingham; Mbappe, Vinicius Jr
Valencia: Agirrezabala; Correia, Tarrega, Copete, Gaya; Rioja, Pepelu, Santamaria, Lopez; Duro, Danjuma
How to watch Real Madrid v Valencia: TV and online streams
Real Madrid versus Valencia kicks-off tomorrow night at 8pm UK time. It is not on TV but you can stream it on the Disney+ app.
You can also watch it on the bet365 website and app.
Stats for Real Madrid v Valencia
Prediction for Real Madrid v Valencia
If their performance against Barcelona is anything to go by, Madrid will take some stopping this season.
They should be much too good for struggling Valencia.
Prediction: Real Madrid 3-0 Valencia