The iconic Estadio de Mestalla plays host to one of La Liga’s most storied and heated rivalries this Sunday, February 8, 2026. As Real Madrid continues its relentless pursuit of Barcelona at the top of the table, Valencia finds itself in a desperate scrap for survival, currently sitting just points above the relegation zone.
Match Details
Fixture: Valencia CF vs. Real Madrid
Competition: La Liga (Matchday 23)
Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
Time: 21:00 CET / 20:00 GMT
Venue: Estadio de Mestalla, Valencia
Referee: Mateo Busquets
Pre-Match Analysis
Valencia: Survival Mode under Corberán
Since Carlos Corberán took charge in late 2024, Valencia has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. Currently in 16th place with 23 points, the Che are only one point clear of the bottom three. However, Mestalla remains a daunting prospect for any visitor; Valencia has proved difficult to beat at home, drawing five and winning four of their eleven matches in front of their passionate supporters.
Corberán will likely set his team up to be compact and aggressive, looking to replicate the "Mestalla magic" that saw them defeat Real Madrid 2-1 in early 2025. With key veterans like José Gayà and Pepelu leading the charge, Valencia will aim to turn this into a physical battle.
Real Madrid: The Arbeloa Era Faces a Test
Life at Real Madrid has been a whirlwind since Álvaro Arbeloa was promoted from Castilla to the first-team coaching role in January 2026. Sitting in 2nd place (54 points), Los Blancos trail Barcelona by just one point. Real Madrid enters this fixture on the back of a five-match winning streak in La Liga, though a recent 4-2 Champions League loss to Benfica has raised questions about Arbeloa's tactical grip on the dressing room.
Despite internal murmurs regarding Arbeloa's "interim" feel, the squad's quality is undeniable. Kylian Mbappé is in terrifying form, leading the league's scoring charts, while young talents like Arda Güler and Franco Mastantuono are beginning to take center stage in the absence of veteran stalwarts.
Team News & Injury Reports
Valencia Team News
Out: Thierry Correia (muscle) and backup keepers Julen Agirrezabala and Cristian Rivero are sidelined.
Doubtful: Dani Raba faces a late fitness test.
In Form: Hugo Duro remains the primary goal threat, supported by the creative energy of Arnaut Danjuma.
Player to Watch: Pepelu. The midfielder’s ability to disrupt Real Madrid's buildup and his delivery from set-pieces will be vital for an upset.
Real Madrid Team News
The visitors are navigating a significant injury crisis in defense:
Out: Vinícius Júnior (hamstring), Jude Bellingham (calf), Trent Alexander-Arnold (muscle), and Antonio Rüdiger (knee) are all major absentees. Dani Carvajal is also serving a suspension.
Returning: David Alaba has returned to the bench but is unlikely to start.
Player to Watch: Kylian Mbappé. With 22 goals this season and six in his last six outings, he is the undisputed danger man.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Valencia (4-4-2):
Dimitrievski; Foulquier, Cümart, Tárrega, Gayà; Rioja, Pepelu, Ugrinic, Danjuma; Hugo Duro, Lucas Beltrán.
Real Madrid (4-3-3):
Courtois; Raúl Asencio, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras, Fran García; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Arda Güler; Mastantuono, Mbappé, Rodrygo.
Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
Reverse Fixture: Real Madrid dismantled Valencia 4-0 at the Bernabéu in November 2025.
Mestalla Factor: Real Madrid has won only two of their last five visits to Mestalla in La Liga.
Mbappé’s Streak: Kylian Mbappé has scored in every away league match he has started this season.
Defensive Contrast: Real Madrid has conceded only 18 goals (the league’s best), while Valencia has shipped 35.
Prediction: Valencia 1–2 Real Madrid
Mestalla will be a cauldron of noise, and Valencia’s desperate need for points usually translates into a fierce performance against the capital club. However, even with a depleted defense, Real Madrid’s offensive firepower—specifically the Mbappe-Rodrygo connection—should be enough to penetrate Valencia’s backline. Expect a tense, narrow victory for Arbeloa’s men.
Top Betting Tips:
Match Result: Real Madrid Win. Their form is too strong, even with key defensive absences.
Both Teams to Score: Yes. Valencia rarely fails to find the net at home, and Madrid’s makeshift defense is vulnerable.
Anytime Scorer: Kylian Mbappé. He is the focal point of every Madrid attack and currently in career-best league form.
