Mourinho Targets Three Points as Real Madrid Visit Valencia
Real Madrid head to Mestalla aiming to extend their winning streak and maintain pressure near the top of the Spanish league table. With the competition entering its 12th round, José Mourinho’s side is chasing an eighth consecutive victory and will be looking to carry its strong recent form into a challenging away fixture against Valencia.
The match brings together teams in very different circumstances. Madrid arrive with confidence, goals and momentum, while Valencia remain near the foot of the standings and are still adjusting to a change in the dugout. Even so, Mestalla is rarely an easy place to visit, and the hosts will hope their latest result can provide a platform for a more consistent run.
Madrid’s reported starting line-up
Spanish outlet Defensa Central reported Mourinho’s selections ahead of the match. Vinícius Júnior is unavailable while serving a suspension, prompting a change in the attacking setup. Ivorian forward Yan Diomande is named in the side, while adjustments in defence and midfield give the visitors a refreshed look.
Real Madrid’s reported XI is:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defence: Fede Valverde, Ibrahima Konaté, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella
Midfield: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Bernardo Silva, Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, Yan Diomande
Attack: Kylian Mbappé
The formation suggests Madrid could use Bellingham and Diomande in advanced roles around Mbappé, with the team able to shift between a compact midfield and a more direct attacking shape. The reported selection should be treated as a pre-match lineup report; official team sheets are normally confirmed shortly before kick-off.
Defensive changes and midfield balance
Konaté and Huijsen are set to reunite at centre-back, offering a combination of physical presence and composure in possession. Their partnership will be important against a Valencia side likely to look for quick transitions, particularly if the hosts can draw Madrid’s full-backs forward.
Valverde is expected to cover the right side of defence, while Cucurella occupies the left. Both players are capable of contributing beyond their defensive duties, giving Madrid options to build attacks from wide areas. Their positioning could also help the visitors control the flanks and prevent Valencia from turning the match into an end-to-end contest.
Tchouaméni’s return to midfield is another notable feature. After being rested against AEK Athens, he is expected to provide protection in front of the defence and help Madrid recover possession. Bernardo Silva adds close control and passing range, while Güler can supply creativity between the lines. Bellingham, meanwhile, is likely to be given freedom to arrive in dangerous areas and connect midfield with the attack.
Mbappé and Diomande lead the attacking threat
Mbappé is the focal point of Madrid’s forward line after scoring in each of the team’s last six matches. His pace and movement can stretch Valencia’s back line, while his ability to finish from a variety of positions makes him the visitors’ most obvious goal threat.
Diomande’s inclusion adds an intriguing dimension. The young Ivorian has impressed in recent weeks, and his direct running could help compensate for Vinícius Júnior’s absence. Rather than simply replacing the Brazilian’s role, Diomande may offer a different profile: one built around sharp movement, attacking transitions and willingness to challenge defenders one-on-one.
Bellingham’s influence could prove just as important. His performance in Greece, including a memorable back-heel goal, underlined the value of his improvisation and timing around the box. If Valencia focus on limiting Mbappé’s space, Bellingham’s late runs may create another route to goal.
Madrid’s momentum and Valencia’s response
Madrid have scored 21 goals across their last seven matches, a run that reflects both their attacking depth and their ability to turn pressure into results. Recent victories include a 2-1 win over Barcelona and a 3-0 triumph against Racing Santander. Those performances have raised expectations, but the challenge now is to sustain that intensity away from home.
Valencia, by contrast, are second from bottom with nine points. Their 1-0 victory over Elche in the previous round was a welcome breakthrough and marked the first win under Mexican coach Javier Aguirre. He took charge on 23 September after succeeding Carlos Corberán, and the result offered a timely lift to a team in need of confidence.
For Valencia, defensive organisation will be essential. They cannot afford to give Mbappé room to accelerate or allow Madrid’s midfielders to receive freely between the lines. At the same time, the home side will need to make the most of counterattacking opportunities and set pieces if they are to trouble Courtois.
Football prediction: a demanding test at Mestalla
The form guide points toward Madrid as favourites, particularly given their scoring streak and the quality available across the pitch. However, Valencia’s home support and the psychological boost from their win over Elche could make this a more competitive contest than the league positions suggest.
A likely pattern is for Madrid to control possession and seek openings through Mbappé, Bellingham and Diomande, while Valencia attempt to stay compact and break quickly. The visitors’ midfield balance may give them the edge, but concentration will be crucial against a side eager to build on its first victory under Aguirre.
Prediction: Valencia 1-2 Real Madrid. Madrid have the stronger attacking momentum, but Mestalla could make them work hard for all three points. A win would extend their streak to eight matches and provide a valuable boost before the international break.
