La Liga sees Real Madrid host Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, 6 April. The hosts have enjoyed a brilliant season so far and will be hopeful of clinching the La Liga title ahead of rivals Barcelona. With the title race heating up, Madrid will view all three points as essential, while Valencia will look to cause an upset.
Given current form and the powerhouse that Madrid are, they are heavy favourites to win the tie. But before placing your bets, discover where to bet on football for top odds and promotions.
The Bernabeu is an iconic venue, one which speaks directly to the heart of everyone associated with Real Madrid, so expect an electric atmosphere leading up to kick-off.
Historical Context: A Storied Rivalry
It would come as no surprise that Real Madrid hold a favourable record over Valencia, but throughout their history Valencia has earned some incredible victories. Away fans will likely remind their hosts of the 1979 Copa del Rey final, which saw Valencia triumph over Madrid in the untimeliest fashion.
Their most recent encounter (January this year) saw a dramatic match turn on its head with Los Blancos overcoming an early 1-0 lead to claim a 2-1 victory at the Mestalla. This will be no different, we can expect an intense and physical approach to ensue here.
Form and Performance Analysis
Real Madrid
Madrid have enjoyed a positive domestic season so far, they will no doubt remain fixed on claiming the La Liga title, but every game and every point then becomes vital.
Their attacking ability and goalscoring prowess remains unplayable at times and the players they have all over the pitch can hurt opponents.
Valencia
Valencia have struggled at times this season. They find themselves towards the bottom end of the table and will be sure to avoid a true relegation scrap before the end of the season.
Their inability to keep any clean sheets suggests that they will always be on the backfoot, and against a team like Real Madrid, any defensive error is punished mercilessly.
Tactical Approaches and Strategies
Real Madrid
Madrid have remained committed to their 4-4-2 shape throughout this season. They play with devastating width and pace and will likely look to disrupt Valencia’s shape by driving straight through it. Their wide players often look to occupy central space and given the inconsistency of their opponents’ defensive discipline – you begin to worry for Valencia.
Valencia
The visitors will likely expect that they won’t see too much of the ball. They will need to ensure they maintain a solid defensive block and not get drawn out of position when presented with Madrid’s attacking nuances.
On a balance of probabilities, the visitors will be hoping for errors from Madrid and look to make the most of set pieces.
Expert Prediction
This is a game which will not lack intensity or physicality, but given the quality held in this Madrid squad – it is difficult to see past a home win.
They will be up for the three points and urged along by their passionate fans, it might just be a long trip and even longer evening for the travelling fans of Valencia. We predict a convincing home win.