Prediction: Real Madrid vs Valencia

Verdict: Real Madrid win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Hoping to find a route back to the top of the La Liga standings on Saturday night, Real Madrid will welcome Valencia to the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid

Starting with the hosts, putting in another rampant Champions League performance in midweek as they breezed their way to a 3-0 romp against Braga, Real Madrid have cruised their way to the knockout stage. Winning each of their four European performances this season, it is no secret that Carlo Ancelotti’s men are firing on all cylinders. Suffering just a single defeat across any competition since opening up the 2023/24 campaign, the former AC Milan boss will be calling on his superstar squad to lay down another marker here. With many tipping Los Blancos as a standout contender to reclaim their La Liga crown this season, Madrid also hold a fearsome reputation for their continued success on home soil. In fact, Ancelotti’s side have lost just one showdown at the Bernabeu since way back on March 2nd.

Team News

Handed a full rest against Braga in midweek after sustaining a minor shoulder injury, the red-hot Jude Bellingham will make a full return on Saturday night. However, Los Blancos are still sweating over the fitness of French international midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni here.

Bagging a second Champions League strike of the season earlier in the week and notching his first goal since the start of April, attacking talisman Vinicius Junior will spearhead Ancelotti’s attack at the Bernabeu. Summer recruit Arda Guler could finally make his Madrid debut this weekend.

Valencia

As for the visitors, while Valencia might have found themselves at the heart of an infamous La Liga relegation scrap last season, the Bats have certainly made a string of improvements since opening up the 2023/24 campaign. Last seen putting in another rugged performance as they secured a 1-0 victory at home against Granada, Ruben Baraja’s side suddenly have their sights set on mounting a genuine European charge thistle around. Marking their return from October’s international break with a routine 2-0 win against Cadiz, Valencia are unbeaten in each of their previous five domestic appearances across all formats. While Baraja’s men might be tipped as a real underdog contender on Saturday night, Los Ches will be excited by their most recent showdown against the Spanish icons. When Valencia welcomed Real Madrid to the Mestalla back on May 21st, Valencia secured a 1-0 victory on home soil.

Team News

Still dealing with a recent thigh injury, Valencia are expected to once again be without the services of ex-Lyon defender Mouvtar Diakhaby on Saturday night. Likewise, limping off against Granada last weekend after picking up a first-half knock, Baraja’s side are sweating over the fitness of Morocco international Selim Amallah.

Already notching five La Liga strikes this season, one-time Real Madrid starlet Hugo Duro should lead the line against his former employers here. Former Benfica striker Roman Yaremchuk could partner Duro in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on May 21st, Valencia picked up a 1-0 victory at the Mestalla.
• However, Saturday’s guests have not collected a single victory at the Bernabeu since way back in March 2008.
• Real Madrid have suffered just a single domestic defeat from their first 12 La Liga appearances this season.
• Los Blancos have not shipped a single domestic strike at the Bernabeu since back on September 17th.
• Valencia are unbeaten in each of their previous five domestic appearances across all competitions.

Conclusion

Breezing their way to the Champions League knockout stage thanks to a 3-0 romp against Braga, Real Madrid will certainly be looking to make another statement here. Suffering just a single domestic defeat since opening up the new campaign and with their sights set on finding a route back to the top of the La Liga standings, Valencia should be bracing themselves for a heavyweight challenge on Saturday night. Despite landing a shock 1-0 win when they welcomed Los Blancos to the Mestalla back on May 21st, we are expecting a home victory here.

Verdict: Real Madrid win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet