A clash with contrasting stakes this Sunday night at Mestalla. Valencia, coming off two defeats — in La Liga and the Copa del Rey — is dangerously close to the relegation zone (17th, 23 points) and faces a Real Madrid team sitting second behind FC Barcelona with 54 points. Just one point above the first relegation spot, held by Rayo Vallecano, Los Ches can breathe a little easier with a positive result. The Merengues, on the other hand, have the chance to close the gap to just one point behind the Blaugrana with a win. In the first leg, Kylian Mbappé’s men dominated (4-0).
Coaches’ Choices
Carlos Corberán has to make do without Agirrezabala, Diakhaby, and Rubo. He opts for a classic 4-4-2 formation with Dimitrievski in goal, protected by Núñez, Cömert, Copete, and Gayà. On the wings, Rioja and Danjuma will provide width, while Pepelu and Ugrinic control the midfield. Up front, Duro and Beltrán form the attacking duo.
On the other side, Álvaro Arbeloa is missing Bellingham, Militão, Mendy, Rodrygo, and Vinicius. Real Madrid lines up in a diamond-shaped 4-4-2: Courtois in goal, with a defense made up of Jiménez, Asencio, Huijsen, and Carreras. In midfield, Tchouaméni is supported by Valverde and Camavinga, while Güler plays behind the duo of Mbappé and Gonzalo García.
Team Lineups
Valencia: Dimitrievski – Núñez, Cömert, Copete, Gayà – Rioja, Pepelu, Ugrinic, Danjuma – Duro, Beltrán
Real Madrid: Courtois – Jiménez, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras – Valverde, Tchouaméni, Camavinga – Güler – Mbappé, G. García
