Valencia will be looking to cause an upset when they host Real Madrid in La Liga, as new coach Carlos Corberán takes charge of the struggling side. Corberán replaced Rubén Baraja after the winter break, despite Valencia’s 2-2 draw against Alavés in their last match.
The Bats are still four points from safety and face a daunting task against Madrid, but Corberán has promised fans that he will work with “great responsibility” to turn the team’s fortunes around.
Valencia’s home form has been a source of comfort for the team, with the hosts picking up points in eight of their last ten home matches against Madrid. However, Los Blancos have a strong record against Valencia, with 93 wins in their 178 La Liga meetings. Madrid will be looking to move top of the table with a win, at least temporarily, and will be boosted by their recent form, which has seen them win four of their last five games across all competitions.
Madrid’s away form has been a concern, however, with the team winning just one of their last three league games on the road. They have also conceded five goals in that sequence, which will give Valencia hope of causing an upset. The hosts will be looking to Hugo Duro to lead their attack after the striker scored two of Valencia’s last three goals against Madrid.
Vinícius Júnior will be a key player for Madrid, having rescued the team with a brace in last season’s corresponding fixture. The Brazilian has eight goals in his last six league matches against Valencia and will be looking to add to that tally. The match promises to be an exciting one, with ten of the last 11 La Liga meetings between the two sides at the Mestalla seeing both teams score.
Corberán will be hoping to make a positive impact in his first match in charge of Valencia, but it will be a tough task against a Madrid side that is chasing its 15th trophy under Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian coach became the most decorated manager in the club’s history after leading Madrid to FIFA Intercontinental Cup glory and will be looking to celebrate that achievement with a win.
The match kicks off at the Mestalla, where Valencia will be looking to give their new coach a winning start. With both teams having a history of scoring goals in this fixture, it promises to be an exciting encounter that could go either way.
