Los Blancos visit Valencia in the match that had to be postponed due to the DANA storm.
Real Madrid starts 2025 with a visit to Valencia, which will be hoping for a new managerial boost after Carlos Corberán took over from Rubén Baraja (Friday, January 3, 3:00 PM ET).
This is the competition match that had to be postponed due to the DANA storm that hit the east coast of Spain and killed more than 170 people.
The tight schedule and the fact that Madrid seem unable to avoid the Champions League play-offs by failing to qualify among the top eight has meant that this match will have to be played on January 3. The original idea was for it to take place on the 2nd, but the agreement with the Spanish Players Association (AFE) prevented this change as it did not give the players enough time off during the holidays.
Madrid could go top of LaLiga
It is a match in which Madrid could go on top with a win: they have 40 points and would overtake Atleti (41 points), albeit with the match getting out of hand.
Real Madrid will finally draw level with Barcelona in terms of matches played, as both matches have already been brought forward due to the Spanish Super Cup taking place in Saudi Arabia next week. At the moment, the lead that Los Blancos have over the culés is two points, but it could increase to five if they win at Mestalla.
Who will play for Real Madrid against Valencia?
For the starting XI, Ancelotti will not rotate and will go with everything he has. The coach will have time on Monday to make rotations in the Copa del Rey against Deportiva Minera, from the Segunda RFEF.
Courtois will start in goal and in defence, Ancelotti will remain with Camavinga at left back after the solid game he played against Sevilla. Lucas Vázquez will occupy the right back position and the central defenders will be Tchouaméni and Rüdiger.
The midfield, in a 4-2-3-1 that has worked well for Carletto, will be formed by Ceballos and Valverde in the double rotation. Bellingham will play in attacking midfield, just behind the striker. The Englishman has hit his best stride this season playing in that position and the Italian coach plans to give him continuity in a role that clearly suits his game.
And in attack we see the three terrors: Rodrygo on the right, Vinicius on the left (who returns after missing the match against Sevilla due to suspension) and up front, Mbappé.
The Valencia – Real Madrid match will be played on Friday, January 3 at Mestalla with kick-off at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT. ESPN and ESPN Deportes will broadcast the game, which you can watch for free with FuboTV's free trial.
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