Real Madrid aim to extend winning run as Valencia seek Mestalla response

Real Madrid will look to make it eight consecutive victories in all competitions when they visit Valencia in La Liga on Saturday evening.

Jose Mourinho’s side travel to Mestalla with confidence after a 3-2 Champions League win against AEK Athens, while Valencia secured some relief last weekend by beating Elche 1-0.

Valencia remain in serious trouble during the opening half of the season. Javier Aguirre’s side have collected only nine points from 11 league matches and sit 19th in the table. Their eight goals are joint-worst in La Liga, leaving Los Ches facing a significant battle to avoid relegation.

Umar Sadiq provided a much-needed boost by scoring the only goal at Elche. Valencia are now aiming for successive league victories for the first time since May. Before the November international break, they will also play Tavernes in the first round of the Copa del Rey on 10 November.

Valencia lost both meetings with Real Madrid during the 2025-2026 season, including a 2-0 defeat at Mestalla. However, they can draw encouragement from their 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu in April 2025.

Real Madrid have won seven matches in a row in all competitions, including four successive La Liga games since their 2-1 defeat by Atletico de Madrid before the previous international break.

They are third in the league with 27 points from nine wins and two defeats, three points behind leaders Barcelona. Their midweek victory over AEK Athens was their fourth in the 2026-2027 Champions League league phase and strengthened their prospects of qualification.

After beating FC Barcelona 2-1 at the end of October, another success on Saturday would move Real Madrid level with the Catalan club on 30 points.

Valencia will be without Sergi Canos and Diego Lopez, both with knee injuries, and David Otorbi, who has a hamstring problem. Jose Manuel Copete is doubtful. Sadiq, who returned from a hamstring issue to score from the bench against Elche, is expected to start. Harvey Elliott is available again after suspension, although his inclusion in the squad remains to be confirmed.

Real Madrid continue to be without Rodrygo, Raul Asencio and Ferland Mendy because of knee, leg and hip injuries respectively. Vinicius Junior will serve the final match of his domestic suspension.

Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni were rested against AEK Athens and have been confirmed as starters by Mourinho. They are expected to line up alongside central defenders Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konate. Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham should feature in attack, with Federico Valverde also included after an influential display in Europe.

Expected teams

Valencia: Dimitrievski; Martinez, Tarrega, Pepelu, Gaya; Rodriguez; Maffeo, Mayol, Guerra, Rioja; Sadiq.

Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Tchouameni, Bernardo; Guler, Bellingham, Diomande; Mbappe.

Despite the difficulty of winning at Mestalla, Real Madrid’s attacking quality and current form make them favourites. The predicted result is a narrow 2-1 victory for the visitors, with that exact score listed at odds of 7.50 on Betclic.