PREVIA – This Friday evening at 9 p.m., Real Madrid travels to Mestalla to face Valencia on the 12th day of La Liga, a match postponed due to storm DANA. The Whites will aim to start 2025 on a high note, with a victory which would mark their entry into the new year.
On a run of five games without defeat, including four wins in their last five games, Real Madrid ended 2024 in style, with a victory in the Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca, followed by a solid 4-2 against Sevilla at the Bernabéu.
After a well-deserved break, Carlo Ancelotti's men are determined to start 2025 under the best auspices. This trip to Mestalla, initially planned for November but postponed due to storm DANA, will have a special meaning. In the event of a victory, the Merengues could, for the first time this year, take the lead in the standings.
As well as taking the lead in La Liga, this victory would provide the opportunity to put pressure on Atlético and establish a five-point gap with Barça. A welcome breath of fresh air, especially since Real Madrid will have to juggle four competitions at the start of the year.
Vinicius, the X factor: a return to form to start the year with a bang
If Real Madrid want to start 2025 with a victory, Vinicius Jr. could well be the key element. The Auriverde winger, in great form since his return from injury, continues to impress. Carlo Ancelotti also highlighted this during his press conference: “Vinicius is doing very well. The vacation that the players had was beneficial for them. He is fresh, enthusiastic and motivated by the accolades he has received in recent days.
He is determined to make a difference tomorrow.” Vinicius Jr., determined to continue to shine, will undoubtedly be a decisive asset for Madrid's attack, as he has been so often this season.
The Santiago Bernabéu paid tribute to the victims of DANA. The Valencia public intend to thank Real Madrid for their support (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Mestalla, ground of all traps for Real Madrid
However, Real Madrid will have to be wary of Valencia. Although the Che remain on five consecutive defeats in the league at the end of 2024, the arrival of Carlos Corberan, former coach of West Bromwich, could breathe new dynamism into the team. Corberan, who has proven himself in England, could restore confidence to a group lacking results.
Even if the Valencians have not yet regained their best level, they know how to be dangerous, especially at home. Mestalla is an often complex terrain, and the Madrilenians will have to approach this meeting with caution.
The statistics do not always favor the Merengues in this stadium. In their last ten trips to Mestalla in La Liga, Real Madrid have only won twice.
And recent memories are often marked by controversy. Last season, a controversial decision by referee Gil Manzano deprived Ancelotti's men of a victory, when he whistled for the end of the match as Brahim Diaz was going to cross for Bellingham.
Two years ago, racist insults towards Vinicius Jr. overshadowed another trip. And finally, in 2020-2021, a nightmarish evening with three penalties whistled against Real Madrid left a bitter taste.
Beyond the simple victory, this match at Mestalla represents a turning point for the rest of Real Madrid's season. A string of successes at the start of the year could not only allow the Merengues to take the lead in the championship, but also strengthen their morale before a series of crucial matches.
With four competitions to manage, every point will count for Carlo Ancelotti and his men, who will have to continue to ride their positive momentum.
Thibaud
