Real Madrid will move to the top of La Liga on Friday if they beat Valencia.
The defending champions return from their winter break with a trip to the Mestalla, looking to heap more misery on struggling Valencia. Madrid have been alarmingly inconsistent away from home this term, but they will be hoping that a fortnight off will help them find more stability on their travels.
Defensive injuries continue to trouble Carlo Ancelotti’s squad selections and it remains to be seen whether the back problems will be resolved in the January market. However, what Madrid lack in defensive bodies they more than make up for with a glut of attacking options, including their preferred attacking trio of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe.
Here’s how Madrid could meet in the first game in 2025.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – The Belgian has conceded seven goals in his last four appearances as he becomes increasingly exposed due to injuries. However, Valencia are averaging less than a goal per game in La Liga this term, meaning Courtois will see his chances of a seventh clean sheet this term.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – Madrid are looking to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold in January as they find themselves short at right back. Vazquez is currently their only senior option and is hardly a commanding figure.
CB: Aurelien Tchouameni – David Alaba is expected to make his long-awaited return in mid-January but the Tchouameni are likely to keep their place in the bottom four for now. The midfielder was often in the central defender position for Los Blancos.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – A model of consistency for the reigning European champions, Rudiger needed the winter break more than any other Madrid player. He has featured in all of his team’s games this term and will start again on Friday.
LB: Fran Garcia – Ferlando Mendy’s disappointing form opened the door for Garcia. The 25-year-old has started three of the last four matches and is set to resume at left-back for Madrid’s first game of the calendar year.
CM: Federico Valverde – Valverde has scored two in his last three appearances and will be tasked with energizing the midfield against Valencia. He has also featured in every game for Los Blancos this term.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – With Tchouameni dropping into defence, Camavinga will be the deepest midfielder in the engine room. The Frenchman’s playing time has been limited this term, but he impressed against Sevilla last time out.
CM: Jude Bellingham – Bellingham’s early season woes have firmly disappeared over the last two months. He has seven goals and five assists for club and country since the beginning of November.
RW: Rodrygo – The Brazilian remains an underrated force for Madrid, with three goals in his last three games. He will be ready to punish Valencia’s struggling defense on Friday night.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – Mbappe has endured a difficult start to his career at the Santiago Bernabeu but has improved in recent weeks. Five goals in the last six matches took his tally to ten La Liga this term.
LW: Vinicius Junior – Madrid didn’t miss the winger against Sevilla as they conceded four, but it will be a huge relief to welcome him back after his suspension on Friday. He previously scored eight in 11 games with Valencia.
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