On January 3, 2025, Real Madrid faced Valencia CF at the Mestalla Stadium in a La Liga fixture that had been rescheduled following the severe flooding in Valencia.
The match carried significant weight for both teams, with Real Madrid aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table, while Valencia sought to climb the standings after a mixed start to their season. In a dramatic encounter, Real Madrid came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory, keeping them firmly in control of the league race.
Match Overview
The encounter between Valencia and Real Madrid was expected to be a fiercely contested match, and it certainly lived up to that expectation.
Both teams approached the game with a clear sense of purpose—Real Madrid, intent on extending their lead at the top of the table, and Valencia, looking to improve their league position after a series of underwhelming performances. The game, however, was not without its challenges, particularly with injuries affecting both teams.
Valencia CF Starting Lineup
Valencia manager Rubén Baraja set his team up in a 4-4-2 formation, aiming for a solid defensive structure while utilizing the attacking capabilities of his forwards and midfielders on the counter-attack. Here’s how they lined up:
Goalkeeper: Stole Dimitrievski
Defenders: Dimitri Foulquier (captain), Cristhian Mosquera, César Tárrega, Yarek Gasiorowski
Midfielders: Javi Guerra, Enzo Barrenechea, Luis Rioja, André Almeida
Forwards: Hugo Duro, Diego López
Valencia’s formation was designed to keep things tight at the back, especially against a potent Real Madrid attack. With Foulquier as the captain, the defense looked to soak up pressure and provide the necessary cover for their forward line. In midfield, Guerra and Barrenechea were expected to control the game, while André Almeida and Luis Rioja provided width and support for the attacking duo of Duro and López. Valencia’s strategy was clear—set up with defensive discipline, and look for opportunities to exploit Real Madrid’s occasional lapses through quick transitions.
Real Madrid Starting Lineup
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti chose a 4-3-3 formation, which has been the preferred setup for his team throughout the season. The formation allowed Real Madrid to dominate the midfield, support their wingers in attack, and create numerous scoring opportunities. The starting lineup for the visitors was:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defenders: Lucas Vázquez (captain), Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy
Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham
Forwards: Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior
The lineup reflected the depth of talent in Real Madrid’s squad, with a strong mix of experienced players and emerging stars. In midfield, Bellingham, Ceballos, and Valverde were tasked with controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the match, while the attacking trio of Rodrygo, Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior had the pace and skill to cause problems for Valencia’s defense.
Despite the absences of key players, including David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Éder Militão, Ancelotti’s side still possessed immense quality across the pitch.
Match Highlights
Both teams came out of the gates looking to establish an early lead.Valencia, playing at home, were determined to make the most of their advantage, while Real Madrid looked to stamp their authority on the game with their quick, possession-based football.
In the 27th minute, Valencia struck first. Hugo Duro capitalized on a loose ball in the box and slotted it past Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, sending the Mestalla crowd into a frenzy. The goal came against the run of play, as Real Madrid had dominated possession up until that point, but the defensive lapses and quick counter-attack by Valencia proved effective. Real Madrid’s defense, without the leadership of Alaba and Militão, looked a little vulnerable.
However, Real Madrid was not to be denied. The visitors continued to push forward and finally got their reward in the 79th minute. Vinícius Júnior, who had been a constant threat down the left wing, found the back of the net after a clever cutback from Mbappé. The goal was a testament to Real Madrid’s resilience, as they refused to be discouraged by the early setback.
Modrić’s Late Strike Secures Victory for Real Madrid
The game then turned in Real Madrid’s favor, with Luka Modrić scoring in the 85th minute to give his team the lead. A pinpoint cross from Valverde was expertly controlled by Modrić, who then finished with composure to put Madrid ahead 2-1. The goal was a masterclass in technique, with Modrić showing his quality yet again at a crucial moment.
As the match entered added time, Jude Bellingham sealed the victory with a stunning strike in the 90+5th minute. A flowing team move saw Bellingham collect the ball just outside the box, and with great confidence, he fired a powerful shot past Dimitrievski to give Real Madrid a 3-1 lead. The goal was fitting for a player who has been in sensational form this season and underlined Real Madrid’s attacking prowess.
Injury Updates
Before the match, Real Madrid was already dealing with several injury concerns. David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Éder Militão were all unavailable for the match due to various injuries. Alaba was expected to return around January 20, while Carvajal and Militão were confirmed to be out for the remainder of the season.
These absences were significant, and Ancelotti was forced to make tactical adjustments. In defense, Antonio Rüdiger stepped in to partner with Tchouaméni, while Vázquez was deployed at right-back. Despite the injuries, Real Madrid managed to cope well, particularly in attack, where their explosive wingers and midfield dynamism proved decisive.
Tactical Analysis
Valencia’s 4-4-2 formation was designed to be compact and disciplined, with two banks of four defending against Real Madrid’s attacking waves. The central midfield pairing of Guerra and Barrenechea attempted to nullify the influence of Bellingham and Ceballos, while the wide players, Rioja and Almeida, provided support for the forward pair, Duro and López, on counter-attacks.
However, Real Madrid’s 4-3-3 system dominated possession, with Bellingham, Ceballos, and Valverde controlling the midfield. The attacking trio of Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo constantly stretched Valencia’s defense with their pace and skill, forcing the hosts into defensive mistakes. The fluid movement of the Real Madrid forwards created numerous chances, and Valencia struggled to contain their offensive threats.
Wrapping Up
The match between Valencia CF and Real Madrid on January 3, 2025, showcased the competitive nature of La Liga, with both teams pushing hard for a result.
Valencia’s early goal gave them hope, but Real Madrid’s attacking quality ultimately proved too much. The 3-1 victory not only secured three points for Los Blancos but also reinforced their position at the top of the La Liga table as they continue their title challenge.
For Valencia, the defeat highlighted the need for more consistency in their performances. Despite the result, they showed moments of promise, especially with their counter-attacking play.
As the season progresses, they will aim to build on these positives and secure a stronger league position. Real Madrid, on the other hand, continues to shine as one of the league’s most formidable teams, with their depth and attacking prowess making them favorites for another La Liga title.
FAQs
Q: Were there any notable absences or injuries affecting the lineups in this match?
A: Yes, both teams had notable absences due to injuries and suspensions. Valencia CF was without midfielder Pepelu, who was suspended for one game, and Fran Pérez, who faced a late fitness check. Additionally, Thierry Correia, José Luis Gayá, and Mouctar Diakhaby were sidelined due to injuries. For Real Madrid, the lineup was strong, with no major injury concerns reported for this fixture.
Q: How did the match unfold in terms of key events and substitutions?
A: The match was competitive, with both teams creating opportunities. Valencia CF opened the scoring with a goal from Hugo Duro in the 27th minute. Real Madrid equalized through Vinícius Júnior in the 79th minute, followed by Luka Modrić in the 85th minute. Jude Bellingham secured the victory with a goal in the 90+5th minute. Substitutions played a crucial role in the game’s outcome. For Valencia, José Luis Gayá and Mouctar Diakhaby were substituted in the 71st minute, and Fran Pérez was substituted in the 69th minute. Real Madrid made several substitutions: Eduardo Camavinga replaced Dani Ceballos in the 68th minute, Luka Modrić substituted for Jude Bellingham in the 80th minute, and Arda Güler replaced Rodrygo in the 87th minute. These tactical changes had a significant impact on the final result.
Q: Where can I find detailed statistics and a full match report for this game?
A: For comprehensive statistics and a detailed match report of the Valencia CF vs. Real Madrid game on January 3, 2025, you can visit Sky Sports. They provide in-depth analysis, including possession percentages, shot counts, player ratings, and more.
Q: How have the lineups evolved in previous encounters between these two teams?
A: In earlier matches between Valencia CF and Real Madrid, there have been notable variations in lineups due to factors such as player form, injuries, and tactical decisions. For instance, in a match on November 11, 2023, Real Madrid’s lineup included players like Lunin, Carvajal, Nacho, Alaba, Mendy, Camavinga, Valverde, Kroos, Brahim, Rodrygo, and Vinícius Júnior. Over time, both teams have made adjustments to their starting elevens to optimize performance and address challenges presented by injuries or suspensions. These changes reflect the dynamic nature of football squad management.
To read more, click here.
