Report by: Rory Munson
Kickoff:
Saturday, November 1st
21:00
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid Spain
Officials for the match:
• Mateo Busquets Ferrer (Referee)
• Gonzalo García González (Assistant)
• Adrián Díaz González (Assistant)
• Ekaitz Ikiñi García Arriola (Fourth)
• Daniel Jesús Trujillo Suárez (VAR)
• Juan Luis Pulido Santana (Assistant VAR)
Match Preview:
Momentum is with Real Madrid, as they captured three crucial points in a (2-1) win this past weekend in the highly anticipated El Clásico, putting Madrid five points clear of FC Barcelona. Madrid is looking to play a clean and disciplined match, coming off a much-needed 5-day rest.
This Real Madrid squad is looking to continue to solidify its top position within the La Liga Primera Division, while fighting through critical injuries. In addition to the reported “tensions between Alonso and some of his squad”. (Corrigan, Oct 31st, 2025) As reported by The Athletic.
Despite this, Alonso’s managed club is looking to post their fourth straight win in La Liga play. In contrast, Valencia is coming off a first-round win, beating Maracana (5-0). Perhaps the much-needed morale boost will provide Valencia with the high-level play on the pitch to beat a spear-headed Madrid Club.
Injury Report:
C.F. Real Madrid:
RB: Dani Carvajal (OUT; Knee Surgery)
CB: Antonio Rüdiger (OUT; Thigh injury)
DB: David Alaba (OUT: Calf)
Andriy Lunin: (OUT; Suspension via “send-off”)
Valencia:
DB: Dimitri Foulquier (OUT; Knee Injury)
CB: Mouctar Diakhaby (OUT; Hamstring Injury)
W: Largie Ramazani (OUT; Muscle Injury)
Starting Line-ups
C.F. Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
GK: Thibaut Courtois
RB: Federico Valverde (covering at right-back)
CB: Éder Militão
CB: Dean Huijsen
LB: Álvaro Carreras
CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni
CM: Eduardo Camavinga
RW / AM: Arda Güler
AM / LM: Jude Bellingham
LW: Vinícius Júnior
ST: Kylian Mbappé
Valencia CF (4-4-2)
GK: Julen Agirrezabalaga
RB: Gabriel Correia
CB: Tárrega
CB: Hugo Guerra
LB: José Gayà
RM: Luis Rioja
CM: Pepelu
CM: Pablo López
LM: Samuel Santamaría
ST: Arnaut Danjuma
ST: Hugo Duro
Match Report
As this match kicked off, Madrid immediately reached a high-pressure point. This defense tactic puts Madrid in a prime position to create turnovers and push the pitch. Outside of Madrid’s versatility in the playmaking and producing runs. The defensive pressure provides quick shifts in momentum and numbers; this was very evident in the first half. Valencia cannot establish any rhythm or pace. Right off the kick-off, Valencia’s pace was sloppy and indecisive, and this immediately affected the club’s decision-making. C.F. Madrid capitalized on Valencia’s poor decision-making, creating multiple interceptions, which directly turned into a lead in Madrid’s runs. In the first twenty minutes, Madrid had already established a flow and rhythm in their sets, as Madrid’s strikers quickly produced shots inside the box. (15’) Valencia made a critical mental error and was called on a “handball” inside the box. (18’) Madrid was awarded a penalty kick. Mbappe scored one of his two goals from this call, with Mbappe’s second goal coming at the 31’ from an impressive flicker kick. Assisted by a cross from Arda Guler. To close an electric first half for Madrid. (44’) Jude Bellingham scored a finesse goal, outside the box on the right of the field. At halftime, Madrid entered the locker room leading Valencia 3-0.
After a fast-paced, highlight-filled first half. The second half displayed Madrid’s tactical approach to maintaining their lead. Xabi Alonso made substitutions at the (46’). Dani Ceballos comes in for Arda Guler. As Eduardo Camavinga comes on the pitch for Aurelien Tchouameni. Valencia’s manager, Carlos Corberán, also made substitutions at this minute. As Andre Almeida came on in place of Lucas Beltran. On the contrary, the second half displayed Valencia’s push to find a route back into the match. But Madrid was largely unhurried, controlling possessions and tempo rather than hunting more goals. As the pace of play slowed down, Valencia had a run on the (62’), which produced a great look from outside the box as André Almeida took a shot, which was saved by Thibaut Courtois. Throughout the last stretch of the match, Valencia was plagued by their inability to produce any runs or shots. As Madrid continued to control the tempo, the game was sealed in the (81’). Full-back Álvaro Carreras scored his first-ever goal with Real Madrid, as he rifled a left-footed strike into the top corner. Madrid’s 4-0 lead further sealed this match, which was won by half-time.
From a tactical point of view; Madrid’s pressure in the first half did the damage; in the second half, they shifted to game management. Valencia’s defensive structure was overwhelmed early and lacked sufficient attacking impetus to threaten a comeback.
Key Plays from the Match
• 18’ – VAR awards a penalty to Real Madrid for a handball by César Tárrega, giving Madrid the breakthrough.
• 19’ – Kylian Mbappé calmly converts the penalty to make it 1-0.
• 31’ – Mbappé scores on a volley following an Arda Güler cross and assist.
• 43’ – Penalty again awarded to Madrid; Vini Júnior takes the penalty. Shot blocked by Julen Agirrezabala. +1
• 44’ – Jude Bellingham scores off a finesse strike from just outside the box to make it 3-0.
• 62’ – Valencia’s keeper Agirrezabala saves a Mbappé volley at point-blank range,
• 82’ – Álvaro Carreras scores off a power strike into the top corner to make it 4-0.
Preview of both Clubs’ Upcoming Match
• Real Madrid will seek to carry momentum forward, as Xabi Alonzo will prepare his club for a critical midweek fixture in Champions League play. Xabi will have to prepare his club both mentally and physically for the long trip to Anfield to face a heavyweight opponent in Liverpool FC.
• Valencia will need to have short-term memory and regroup quickly. Sitting in the 18th position, their next La Liga match against Real Betis offers an opportunity to pick up points and ease pressure in their relegation-scrap zone. As they’ll play at home next, fans hope to see an improved attacking intent and solidity in the defensive line.