Valencia vs Real Madrid prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2024-03-01 20:00.
Valencia’s 0-0 draw with Sevilla was their first La Liga stalemate since mid-December (W5, L2), but with a game in hand on those above them after last week’s game against Granada was postponed, European qualification remains a realistic ambition. It was off-field matters making headlines this week though, after they refused to allow those working on a VinĂcius JĂşnior documentary to film at the Mestalla.
You could understand the request after the Real Madrid player was subjected to repeated racist abuse during this fixture last term which Valencia won 1-0 – a story which overshadowed Los Ches’ only victory across the last seven H2Hs (L6). Given that RubĂ©n Baraja’s side are on an impressive eight-game unbeaten sequence in home La Liga fixtures (W5, D3), hopes should be high that they can upset the league leaders again.
This corresponding fixture last season was played at the end of May when Madrid’s season petered out, but this time they arrive six points clear of Girona and hungry for more success similar to the 5-1 H2H thrashing they delivered at the Bernabéu in November. In another positive for the visitors, their defensive injury woes are easing, highlighted by Antonio Rüdiger’s seamless return against Sevilla (W 1-0).
While Los Blancos haven’t lost a league away game since Atlético beat them 3-1 in late September (W6, D3), if there is a concern, it could be scoring an average of just 1.4 goals per game across the last five of those fixtures (W3, D2). That might worry Carlo Ancelotti enough to press Jude Bellingham into action earlier than expected to add more bite to their attack.
Players to watch: Briefly on Real Madrid’s books as a teenager, Diego LĂłpez scored the winner here last term and four of his six league goals for Valencia came between the 30th and 55th minutes. All eyes will be on VinĂcius, who was sent off here last season but has scored five times between the 40th and 65th minutes across the last five H2Hs.
Hot streak: The away team on the day hasn’t scored before half-time in any of the last seven H2Hs (Valencia HT: W1, D2, L4).