Valencia CFyAthletic Clube faces Real Madrid in Mestalla in a crucial game of LALIGA EASports, broadcast at 9 p.m. on Movistar. This meeting is seen as a necessity to alleviate the club’s recent difficulties, especially after the recent defeat of FC Barcelona by 6-0. This defeat not only prevented Valencia from getting closer to the Barça ranking, but also revived doubts and concerns about the future of the sports project, at least among fans and observers. Ernesto Valverde’s team also arrived on the move with physical and mental fatigue, following a defeat on the Alavés Sports Day and a defeat against Arsenal in the Champions League, despite their leading position in the competition.

The two teams share the same motivation: the victory, which would allow them to improve their position in the historic LALIGA classification, where they are separated by only seven points. Bilbao’s Athletic retains a small historical advantage, but this meeting represents an opportunity for Valencia to narrow this gap. This match will also be an important milestone, marking the 200th official meeting between the two clubs. A key player for the athletic, Julen Agirrezabala, who could become a full player of the club, will be particularly tested in Mestalla.

This meeting is also full of emotion, because Julen Agirezabala, an athletic player, has a history with Valencia and might feel some revenge against his former teammates. Both clubs will be attentive to the performance of De Renteria, a player who could be particularly motivated for this match. The victory, beyond its importance in the standings, therefore has a historical and personal dimension for both teams and their players.