The Santiago Bernabéu will host one of the most historic fixtures in Spanish football: Real Madrid vs Valencia. A clash rich with tradition, emotion, and unfinished business. For Xabi Alonso’s side, the mission is clear—stay at the top and build momentum after their Clásico win over Barcelona. For Carlos Corberán’s men, the goal is survival: escaping the drop zone and regaining confidence against one of the toughest opponents in the league.

Vinícius: From Controversy to Forgiveness and Back to the Starting XI

The biggest storyline ahead of the match centers around Vinícius Jr. The Brazilian returns to the starting lineup after his controversial reaction to being substituted in the Clásico. Following three tense days and a public apology, Xabi Alonso decided to give him another chance from the start, trusting his commitment and hoping his energy translates back into goals.

The Madrid coach will stick with the 4-3-3 formation, with Franco Mastantuono coming in for Eduardo Camavinga as the only change. Fede Valverde will remain at right-back amid the absences of Carvajal, Alaba, and Rüdiger, while Kylian Mbappé will lead the attack, maintaining his lethal form—16 goals in 13 matches—as he chases another Golden Boot.

Real Madrid’s starting lineup: Courtois, Valverde, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Güler, Bellingham; Mastantuono, Vinícius, and Mbappé.

Valencia Arrive in Crisis but with Fond Memories of the Bernabéu

On the visitors’ side, the outlook is bleak. Valencia come into the match mired in a poor run of form—five games without a win—and have dropped to 18th place, entering the relegation zone for the first time this season. With just nine points, they share their struggles with Real Sociedad, Mallorca, and Levante, and desperately need a result to change their fortunes.

Coach Carlos Corberán faces the challenge with several key absences: Diakhaby, Foulquier, Ugrinic, and Ramazani are all out. Still, he’ll draw motivation from last season’s shock win at the Bernabéu, when Hugo Duro’s stoppage-time goal gave Valencia a rare victory in Madrid. The striker will return to the starting lineup, partnering Danjuma in attack.

Even so, the stats are ruthless: in 90 league visits to the Bernabéu, Valencia have won only 10 times and lost 76. It’s a monumental task—but football is a sport of second chances.

With Kylian Mbappé set to be honored for his recent Golden Boot and the Bernabéu crowd back behind Vinícius, Real Madrid will look to assert their dominance and preserve their five-point cushion over Barcelona. A match steeped in history, where Los Blancos can’t afford a slip-up before traveling to Anfield for the Champions League.

All the Goals From match: