Match Preview

Real Madrid return for midweek action against Valencia at the Di Stefano on Thursday. These two clubs met back for a 1-1 draw at the Mestalla back in December.

Real are coming off their first win after the break after defeating Eibar 3-1 on Sunday. Valencia drew 1-1 in their return to LaLiga play.

Valencia should fare as a tougher opponent for Real Madrid. Los Che sit in 8th in the league standings. Real trail five points behind Barcelona for first, but Los Blancos have played one less match.

Injuries/Suspensions

There’s no changes to the injured list for Real from Sunday. Lucas Vazquez, Luka Jovic, Mariano and Nacho all remain out with injury.

Valencia will be without defenders Ezequiel Garay and Gabriel Paulista.

There are no suspensions for either club for this match.

Potential XIs

Real Madrid

Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Bale, Hazard, Benzema

There’s bound to be some changes to Zidane’s lineup given that they have to play again against Real Sociedad on Sunday.

With five substitutes moving forward, Zidane will surely manage Casemiro to ensure he doesn’t pick up another yellow that forces suspension.

There could be some changes to forward corps as well from the match against Eibar. Zidane gave Rodrygo the start on the right, perhaps that will be a change we see. Bale did have a disappointing performance after being subbed on. We still have yet to see Marco Asensio make his return to the pitch.

Valencia

Cillessen; Florenzi, Diakhaby, Guillamón, Gayá; Torres, Parejo, Kondogbia, Soler; Rodrigo, Gómez

Prediction

Real Madrid-Valencia 2-0

This will likely be a tougher match for Real Madrid in comparison to their return against Eibar over the weekend. Valencia are a better team and a solid team on the counter attack that can give Real fits. Ferran Torres is one to watch as the youngster will likely feature in some form.

Real also have to put in a complete performance if they hope to secure three points and get back within two points of the league leaders. They had a very strong first half against Eibar, but started to get a bit complacent with their lead in the second. They need more impact out of their substitutes as well, as was the case for Gareth Bale.

This will be Real’s true tough test upon the season’s resumption. It only gets tougher this weekend when they have to travel to San Sebastián and take on an even better side in La Real.