Valencia vs Real Madrid preview: Team news, line-ups, where to watch on TV

Real Madrid visit Valencia in La Liga on Sunday as Los Blancos cope with key absences and the hosts aim for points in the relegation battle

Valencia will host Real Madrid at Mestalla on Sunday, February 8 in a LaLiga fixture that carries significant implications for both teams. Los Che are fighting to climb out of the relegation zone, while Los Blancos aim to maintain pressure at the top of the table and continue their bid for the title. The match offers a clash between a side under pressure and a league powerhouse seeking consistency.

Real Madrid arrive having been affected by injuries to key midfielders and defenders, forcing coach Álvaro Arbeloa to make tactical adjustments. Despite the absences, Los Blancos maintain a strong squad depth, with creative and attacking options capable of challenging Valencia’s defence.

Valencia, meanwhile, have been inconsistent this season, alternating between strong home displays and disappointing losses. With points crucial for survival, Los Che will be highly motivated to take advantage of home support and exploit any vulnerabilities in Madrid’s line-up.

How the teams go into the game: form

Valencia have won only two of their last five LaLiga matches, drawing one and losing two. Their attacking output has been inconsistent, with defence proving vulnerable in recent fixtures. Their last home game saw a dramatic 3‑2 win for Valencia against Espanyol but that was followed by a 2-1 away defeat to Real Betis. Then, in midweek, they suffered late heartache in the Copa del Rey against Athletic Club, losing 1-2 in injury time.

Real Madrid have fared better, winning three of their last five league games, including victories over Villarreal and Real Sociedad, while dropping points only against Atlético Madrid. Their attack has been productive, scoring 10 goals in these five matches, with Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, and Mbappé contributing significantly.

Valencia vs Real Madrid: head-to-head

In recent La Liga encounters, Madrid have recorded two wins in the last three clashes, though Valencia did manage a 2‑1 victory at the Bernabéu last season. The head-to-head record heavily favours the visitors, but Valencia can produce upsets at home.

Valencia vs Real Madrid: team news

Valencia will be without Cristian Rivero due to suspension, while Mouctar Diakhaby is out through injury.

Real Madrid’s lineup misses Jude Bellingham through a hamstring injury, while Dani Carvajal and other squad members continue recovery. Vinícius Júnior is suspended after his booking against Rayo Vallecano. Álvaro Arbeloa is expected to rotate other positions, Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo remain available to lead the attack.

Valencia vs Real Madrid: predicted line-ups

Valencia predicted line‑up: Dimitrievski, Foulquier, Comert, Copete, Gaya, Urginic, Rioja, Pepelu, Danjuma, Beltran, Hugo Duro

Real Madrid predicted line‑up: Courtois, Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Guler, Mastantuono, Rodrygo, Mbappe

Valencia vs Real Madrid: When and where to watch in US & UK

Kick‑off is scheduled for Sunday, 8 February 2026, at 20:00 UTC (21:00 CET / 20:00 GMT).

In the United States, the match will be broadcast live on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ for streaming coverage. In the United Kingdom, coverage is available via Premier Sports 1 and LaLigaTV, with live streaming via Premier Sports Player and other licensed platforms