Real Madrid vs Valencia Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

The La Liga title race is still firmly in the balance and our expert Nathan Joyes has provided his Real Madrid vs Valencia Best Bet, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.

Real Madrid came from behind to beat Leganes 3-2 last weekend, keeping them three points behind Barcelona in the fight for 1st place. Kylian Mbappe’s brace saved their embarrassment after a poor end to the first half.

Valencia head into this fixture on a four match unbeaten streak, which has lifted them four points above the relegation zone. A 1-0 win against Mallorca last time out has filled them with confidence, but a trip to the Bernabeu is a completely different challenge in itself.

Real Madrid vs Valencia Prediction: Redemption for the Brazilian

Spain, La Liga, Saturday, April 5th, 15:15 (UK)

A fixture that has often painted Vinicius Junior as either the hero or the villain, it’s safe to say it’s never dull when Real Madrid and Valencia lock horns.

In the reverse fixture at the Mestalla, Hugo Duro put Valencia ahead, and after Jude Bellingham’s missed penalty and Mbappe’s goal ruled out for offside, any points looked impossible for Real Madrid after Vinicius Junior was sent off 10 minutes from time.

But in peak Galatico fashion, Luka Modric clawed one back before Bellingham’s 95th minute strike stunned the home crowd. It wasn’t Vinicius Juniors day, but his team would have the last laugh.

Vinicius’ last trip to the Mestalla prior to that victory was also just as difficult having received racial abuse throughout the match, but his two goals silenced the crowd once more as Real Madrid came back from a difficult position.

Prior to that match, and their last match at the Bernabeu back in 2023, Real Madrid blew Valencia away 5-1. Once again, Vinicius Junior took his game to the next level against a team he actively doesn’t like. A goal either side of the half-time break saw him once again get the better of Valencia.

In fact, Vinicius Junior has scored five goals from his last five meetings against their next opponents. He’s also been booked once and sent off twice. However, it’s important to note all of those cards came at the Mestalla – but at home, he’s often the hero.

The Brazilian only came on for 30 minutes against Leganes, having been rested after racking up his air miles while on international duty. Carlo Ancelotti was probably hoping not to have to rely on his winger at all, but alas, Vinicius Junior was ready to help get his team over the line.

The 24-year-old has contributed with 10 goals from his 23 La Liga matches so far this season, and at home is where we often see the best out of him. Real Madrid head into this fixture having won their last five matches across all competitions, scoring 12 goals in the process.

This hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Valencia, either, who have lost their last six La Liga matches at the Bernabeu, conceding at least two goals on every occasion.

And this is a match that Vinicius Junior relishes. Not only is there the incentive to challenge for the title, but the Brazilian will once again be hoping to make up for his red card in the reverse fixture.

• Real Madrid vs Valencia Prediction: Vinicius Junior to score anytime
• Best Odds: 2.40
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10

Real Madrid vs Valencia Prediction odds via bet365 as at 11:00, March 31st, 2025. Odds may now differ.

Real Madrid vs Valencia Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups

Real Madrid face Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-finals midweek, and it will be interesting to see if anyone comes away with an injury or underperforms. After their 3-2 win over Leganes, Ancelotti may not rest Vinicius Junior, who is more likely to start and be pulled in the second period if the game is going their way. He can line up alongside Mbappe and Rodrygo in attack.

Valencia are unbeaten in their last four, and have achieved their eight points without the help of their top goalscorer. Hugo Duro has been injured throughout the month of March, but returned to the bench against Mallorca last weekend.

Although an unused sub, the 25-year-old is more likely to be called upon for their trip to the Bernabeu – but once again from the bench.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Mendy, Alaba, Asencio, Vazquez, Modric, Valverde, Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Mbappe

Valencia possible starting lineup:
Mamardashvili; Gaya, Tarrega, Mosquera, Foulquier, Lopez, Barrenechea, Guerra, Rioja, Sadiq, Almeida

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