January 19, 2025. 10:00 p.m. Valence. “Mestalla”.
La Liga 2024-25. Day 20
“Valence” – “Real Sociedad” (San Sebastian)
Suspended : Jon Aramburu (“Royal Society”)
Injured: Thierry Correia, Mouctar Diakhaby – Amari Traoré
Doubtful: José Luis Gayà, Fran Pérez, Rafa Mir (tous – “Valence”)
Unavailable due to loan conditions: Umar Sadiq (“Valence”)
At risk of suspension: Cristian Mosquera – Brais Méndez, Ander Barrenetxea
-“Valence”
Significant progress was evident in the performance of the “Chés” following the change of coach. However, under Carlos Corberán, the team only achieved Copa del Rey victories against lesser opponents. In their first outing of the new year, “Los Ches” won comfortably, beating second division side “Eldense” 2-0 away, and last week they recorded a similar score against third division team “Orense,” thus qualifying for the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Cup successes are certainly positive, but the main concern is Valencia’s league position. As a reminder, the “Chés” finished the first half of the season at the bottom of the table, four points from the safety zone. Out of 19 matches, Valencia managed only two victories, winning at home against “Girona” and “Betis” (2-0 and 4-2 respectively). Currently, “Los Ches” are going through a series of seven matches without a win, with three draws and four defeats. Under Carlos Corberán, Valencia lost 1-2 at home to “Real Madrid,” conceding both goals late in the game while on a numerical advantage, and last week they drew 1-1 at the away against “Sevilla.”
“Royal Society”
The “Churi-urdin” achieved notable improvements in their results in the last two months of the previous year, significantly improving their ranking in the league and in Europe. However, just before the winter break, the Basques struggled to score in two consecutive matches, recording 0-0 draws at home to ‘Las Palmas’ and a well-deserved 0-2 defeat at ‘Celta’ in Vigo. Last weekend, Imanol Alguacil’s side secured a crucial 1-0 victory against “Villarreal,” thanks to a precise strike from Takefusa Kubo. It was Kubo’s fourth goal this season, and all of them contributed to victories.
This victory allowed “Real Sociedad” to finish the first half of the season in 7th place in the La Liga standings, just two points behind “Villarreal” and “Mallorca,” and thus outside the European competition places. Moreover, in the new year, the “Churi-urdin” won two victories in the Copa del Rey. In the round of 32, they easily beat “Ponferradina” of the third division 2-0, and in the middle of the week they confidently triumphed against “Rayo Vallecano” 3-1 at home. Mikel Oyarzabal and Jon Olasaagasti scored before half-time, with Sergio Gómez sealing the result with a clever free-kick.
“Valence” – “Royal Society”: Planned Compositions
For “Valence,” right back Thierry Correia and central defender Mouctar Diakhaby are injured. Additionally, striker Umar Sadiq will not be able to play against the Basques due to loan conditions. Additionally, the Nigerian, who scored his first goal for “Los Ches” last week, also appears to have suffered an injury. There are also doubts regarding the participation of right defender José Luis Gayà, winger Fran Pérez, and striker Rafa Mir. For “Real Sociedad,” main defender Jon Aramburu is suspended, and his replacement Amari Traoré is injured. All other players are available for the match at the “Mestalla.”
“Valence” – “Royal Society”: Author’s prediction
At the end of last season, “Real Sociedad” won a 1-0 home victory against “Valencia.” In the first meeting, the Basques were even more dominant, scoring three unanswered goals against the “Chés.” This match took place at the end of September and marked the first home victory for the Alguacil team this season. Likewise, the previous meeting at the “Mestalla” ended 1-0 in favor of the “Churi-urdin.” It is very likely that the next confrontation will also favor “La Real,” but I would not like to rule out the possibility of a draw. However, I currently doubt Valencia’s chances of winning. Carlos Corberán’s team must win, but I think that will not happen until February, when “Los Ches” will have two consecutive home games against “Celta” and “Leganés.”
