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Valencia and Real Madrid face off on February 8 at the Mestalla in a clash always rich in history, tension and nuance.
Valencia come into the game strong at home, where, aside from their Copa del Rey defeat, they are unbeaten in six LaLiga matches (2W, 4D).
Madrid, meanwhile, are enjoying a "great run" (quotation marks intended) with six consecutive league victories.
Although Los Blancos have suffered more defeats at Mestalla than at almost any other ground since 2014/15, their win there in January 2025 opens the door to back-to-back away victories for the first time in over a decade.
With Mbappé in sparkling form, Hugo Duro posing a threat for the hosts, and both sides known for high-intensity encounters, everything is set for a thrilling contest.
Predictions for Valencia v Real Madrid
Mbappé to be fouled two or more times – 4/5 @ bet365
Madrid to score between two and three goals – 1/1 @ bet365
Over 3.5 saves by Dimitrievski – 11/10 @ bet365
Odds correct at the time of writing, subject to change.
How do you stop Mbappé?
Kylian Mbappé comes into the match as one of the most decisive players in European football. He is the joint top scorer across the big five leagues alongside Harry Kane (22 goals) and also leads the way for penalties scored, with eight.
These stats highlight not only his finishing ability but also his constant presence in dangerous areas, where defenders are often forced to foul him to prevent clear chances.
At a ground like the Mestalla, where Valencia are typically intense and competitive, Mbappé will be a key focus for the home defence.
With Madrid in top form in LaLiga and looking to attack at pace, the Frenchman will receive plenty of balls in behind and on the run. In this context, Valencia’s defenders will likely resort to tactical fouls to stop him, making it quite realistic for him to be fouled at least twice.
Tip: Mbappé to be fouled two or more times – 4/5 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: Mbappé must be fouled two or more times.
Clinical and ruthless
Los Blancos are enjoying one of their best attacking spells of the season, with six straight LaLiga wins and a steady flow of goals.
They have also converted nine penalties this campaign, a tally only bettered by their own historic record in 2011/12, underlining their ability to turn dominance into goals. With Mbappé as the focal point, Madrid are creating chances with ease.
While Valencia have been solid at home, going six league games unbeaten, they have also shown vulnerability at key moments.
The Mestalla is always a tough place to visit, but Madrid have tasted victory there recently. In an open game, with chances at both ends and a high tempo, the most likely scenario is that Madrid score two or three goals — not a rout, but enough to showcase their attacking strength.
Tip: Madrid to score between two and three goals – 1/1 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: Madrid must score two or three goals. If they score fewer or more, the bet is lost.
A busy night for Dimitrievski
The Valencia goalkeeper will be up against one of the most potent attacks in Europe. Real Madrid average a high number of shots per game and have several players capable of finishing from different areas. Mbappé's late runs from midfield and set pieces will all force Dimitrievski into action regularly.
Moreover, Valencia’s unbeaten home run in their last six league matches doesn’t mean they haven’t conceded chances; rather, they have managed to hold out thanks to solid defending and excellent goalkeeping.
Against a side on a six-match winning streak and likely to dictate the tempo from the off, it’s reasonable to expect the keeper to be busy. If the match follows a competitive pattern, with Madrid dominating for spells, more than 3.5 saves looks a very plausible outcome.
Tip: Over 3.5 saves by Dimitrievski – 11/10 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: The Valencia keeper must make four or more saves.
Odds for Valencia vs Real Madrid
Real Madrid win – 4/7 @ bet365
Odds correct at the time of writing, subject to change.
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Odds correct at the time of writing, subject to change.