Real Madrid confirmed starting lineup against Valencia in LaLiga

Real Madrid get 2025 underway with a visit to Valencia, who will be hoping for a new manager bounce after Carlos Corberán took over from Rubén Baraja (Friday 3 Jan, 3pm ET).

This is the league match that had to be postponed at the time due to the DANA storm that hit Spain’s east coast and took the lives of over 170 people.

The tight schedule and the fact that Madrid seem unable to avoid the Champions League play-off by not qualifying among the top eight has meant that this match must be played on January 3. The original idea was for it to be on the 2nd, but the agreement with the Spanish Players' Association (AFE) prevented this change as it did not give the players enough time off during the holiday season.

HOW TO WATCH: Valencia vs Real Madrid | LaLiga EA Sports

Madrid could go top of LaLiga

It is a match that could see Madrid go top with a win: they have 40 points and would surpass Atleti (41 points), albeit with a game out of hand.

Real Madrid will finally be level with Barcelona in terms of games played, as both have already seen fixtures moved forward due to the Spanish Super Cup that takes place next week in Saudi Arabia. Right now the advantage that Los Blancos have over the culés is two points, but it could stretch to five if they win at Mestalla.

Who will play for Real Madrid against Valencia?

For the starting eleven, Ancelotti will not rotate and will go with everything he has. The coach will have time to make rotations on Monday in the Copa del Rey against Deportiva Minera, from the Segunda RFEF.

Courtois will start in goal and in defence, Ancelotti will go with Mendy at left back. Lucas Vázquez will occupy the right back slot and the centre backs will be Tchouaméni and Rüdiger.

The midfield, in a 4-2-3-1 that has been working well for Carletto, will be formed by Ceballos and Valverde in the double pivot. Bellingham will play in the attacking midfield slot, just behind the forward line. The Englishman has got into his best flow this season playing in that position and the Italian coach plans to give him continuity in a role that clearly suits his game.

And in attack we’ll see the three terrors: Rodrygo on the right, Vinicius on the left (who returns after missing the match against Sevilla due to suspension) and up front, Mbappé.

The game between Valencia - Real Madrid will be played on Friday January 3 at Mestalla with kick off at 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT. ESPN and ESPN Deportes will broadcast the game, which you can watch for free with FuboTV’s Free Trial.

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