Valencia vs Real Madrid: the Bats will try to stop Mourinho's side
The Matchday 12 fixture in Spain's La Liga between Valencia and Real Madrid will take place on November 7, 2026, at Mestalla Stadium. Kick-off is at 21:00 Spanish time. An intriguing clash is in store: the hosts desperately need points, while the visitors cannot afford to lose ground on the league leaders.
Valencia: last-round victory has lifted spirits slightly
The start of the season has been extremely difficult for the Bats. After 11 rounds, the team have collected just nine points and sit 19th in the table. Valencia have recorded two wins and three draws alongside six defeats. Their goal difference stands at 8:17. For a club with such a rich history and lofty ambitions, this situation is deeply troubling.
However, Valencia supporters have been given a small reason for optimism ahead of the meeting with the Madrid giants. In the previous round, Carlos Corberan's side defeated Elche away from home, winning 1-0. The victory allowed them to breathe a little easier, although it is still too early to speak of a full recovery from the crisis.
Valencia's main problem is a lack of efficiency in attack. The team score too few goals, and they find it particularly difficult against opponents capable of controlling the tempo and space. Relying solely on their defence against Real Madrid would also be dangerous: the Madrid side know how to find pockets of space even against deep, well-organised defensive setups.
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One of the hosts' key players remains Umar Sadiq, who is the team's leading scorer in the league. Hugo Duro and the experienced Jose Gaya, who can push forward from the left flank, should also play important roles in Valencia's attacking moves.
The squad situation is far from ideal either. As of November 4, the injury list includes David Otorbi, Diego Lopez, Koba Koindredi and Sergi Canos. Luis Rioja remains a doubt, while Jose Copete has already returned to training.
Real Madrid: Mourinho's side are gradually finding their rhythm
Madrid head to Valencia in a far more comfortable position. After 11 rounds, Los Blancos have picked up 27 points and sit third in the table. Nine wins and two defeats represent a highly respectable record, although the team are still behind the league leaders.
The visitors' attacking numbers are especially impressive. Real Madrid have already scored 28 goals, with Kylian Mbappe remaining the main protagonist. The Frenchman continues to produce outstanding numbers and leads the league's scoring charts with 12 goals.
In the previous round, Madrid comfortably dispatched Racing away from home, winning 3-0. Before that, they defeated Barcelona (2-1), Sevilla (4-1) and Espanyol (2-0). It appears that Jose Mourinho is gradually shaping the team to his own demands, placing emphasis not only on attacking power but also on their organisation without the ball.
Alongside Mbappe, Jude Bellingham deserves special mention. The Englishman can operate directly behind the striker or surge forward from deep, creating additional problems for defenders. Vinicius Junior is also crucial, with his pace and individual skill allowing Madrid to stretch the opposition defence.
There are selection concerns as well. As of November 4, Aurelien Tchouameni and Arda Guler are recovering from injuries, Ferland Mendy has returned to training, while Raul Asencio and Rodrygo remain sidelined. As a result, the final decision on the starting line-up will depend on the players' condition immediately before the match.
Head-to-head history and the tactical picture
This fixture is traditionally a difficult one, especially when Real Madrid visit Mestalla. Valencia fans know all too well that their home ground has caused Madrid problems on numerous occasions.
However, the most recent meetings have gone the visitors' way.
In February 2026, Real Madrid won 2-0 in Valencia, while in November 2025 they thrashed their opponents 4-0 at Santiago Bernabeu. That said, in April 2025 the Bats had already beaten Madrid on their own turf (2-1). The hosts should certainly not be underestimated.
In the upcoming match, we can expect a familiar pattern: Real Madrid will look to dominate possession, make active use of the flanks and create numerical superiority around the penalty area. Mbappe will look for space in behind the defenders, while Bellingham will make late runs into the box.
Valencia will have to remain extremely well organised. Corberan could opt for a compact shape with two defensive lines, relying on quick counter-attacks after winning the ball back. It will be especially important not to allow Vinicius and Mbappe to receive the ball in stride.
The hosts will have their opportunities too. The support from the stands, Mestalla's electric atmosphere and the need to collect points could encourage the team to play more boldly than usual. If Valencia score first, the contest could remain wide open until the final minutes.
On paper, Madrid's advantage looks fairly convincing. The difference in individual quality, current form and attacking output all point in Real Madrid's favour. It is particularly telling that Mourinho's side have scored 28 goals in 11 rounds, while Valencia have found the net just eight times.
Even so, a trip to Mestalla is never a straightforward test. The hosts will be supremely motivated, because every point dropped in their current position only makes the fight to remain in the top flight more difficult.
Nevertheless, I am leaning towards a Madrid victory. I believe the visitors will be able to exploit Valencia's defensive problems and take all three points without the need for a goal-fest.
My prediction: over 2.5 total goals.
