Valencia vs Real Madrid
The race to the top of the La Liga table has never been this close as bitter rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona are now drawn level with 34 points apiece.
Defending champions Barcelona are bracing for a top-five showdown against Real Sociedad. Los Blancos, on the other hand, will clash against Valencia as part of their three-game road trip.
While La Real have faced a topsy-turvy journey as of late, Valencia CF have been superb in their form by winning four out of their last five La Liga matches. They’ve also managed to secure a spot to the final 16 in the Champions League by placing atop of Group H with 11 points.
Like Valencia, Real Madrid have also booked their berth at the knockout stages in the Champions League. They are a team on the rise as they continue to gel under the tutelage of Zinedine Zidane, who has been showing everyone as to why he’s the right man for the job for them.
Despite their different places in the La Liga standings, Valencia should give Los Blancos a real run for their money on this one. And for sure, this will be a cracker just like in their recent matches.
Today, SBOBET provides a preview of this exciting match on Monday.
Talking points
Albert Celades emerging past his predecessor’s shadows
Valencia CF fans had some doubts over Albert Celades when he took over as the team manager a few months ago. The 44-year-old boss had an inauspicious start, as they’ve registered only four wins, five losses, and three draws in the first 12 match days.
Fast forward to today, Los Ches are in the midst of a turnaround evidenced by their run in the Champions League. They capped off their exemplary group stage performance by sitting atop of Group H, culminated with a victory against Ajax the other day.
More importantly, the team seems to play with more energy and inspiration as Celades told reporters that his relationship with his players is improving by the day.
“The relationship I have with my players is very good. We work well together on a daily basis. The quality of the people we have on the squad and the courage of the entire group made this possible,” said Celades in a recent interview.
With his recent achievement, Celades has surpassed Marcelino in Europe’s elite competition. Under the former boss, Valencia weren’t able to make it out of the group stages last season.
Their success can also be attributed to their improving offence. They are currently fourth overall in goals scored with 26 in the La Liga and a lot of those came from the opportunities created by the likes of Dani Parejo and Moreno. The two have formed a lethal combination at the attack and they’re expected to produce some La Liga 2019 highlights on a per-game basis.
With this team slowly finding their footing, they should finish at least in the top five come season’s end.
The Rodrygo effect
Everything has been clicking now for Los Blancos.
After a horrendous preseason to enduring inconsistencies earlier this term, Real Madrid are now back to a place to where they should be – which is at the top of the food chain.
Zinedine Zidane has done a great job in shrugging off critics as he would guide his team to a great run and the trust given to his younger players has been paying dividends.
The likes of Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, and Sergio Ramos have been the key veterans for this team. However, it’s the emergence of Rodrygo that has captured the eyes of the fans in Bernabeu.
The teenage sensation is a fearless attacker who has shown great athletic gifts and quality to be one of Los Blancos’ formidable attackers despite coming off the bench. All in all, the Brazilian scored six goals in eight shots at target while providing some assists as well.
Real Madrid have never lost in seven games when Rodrygo is listed as a starter (W6, D1). And with the likes of Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale sitting out due to various reasons, for sure ZZ might consider putting him in as a starter for good sooner or later.
History
Valencia and Real Madrid have faced each other 47 times. The home team won in 10 while Los Blancos won in 26 along with 11 draws.
While Valencia won in their previous matchup last April, they have lost thrice and drew level once in their last four matches prior.
Real Madrid have won four consecutive La Liga games for the first time since ZZ’s return at the helm.
Betting tip
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Valencia vs Real Madrid | Real Madrid Asian Handicap -0.25 @1.74 |
| December 16, 04:00(GMT+8) |
Our La Liga 2019 odds have Real Madrid at 1.96, Valencia at 3.55, and a draw at 3.60 in the 1×2 market, which clearly favours the road team.
With a talent-laden roster, Zinedine Zidane will have the luxury of going young with his lineup especially since Rodrygo is having the hot hand. Other players such as Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, and Isco are expected to support him out front.
Valencia can also provide some goals too with Daniel Parejo and Moreno leading the way. However, Los Blancos’ improved defence might spell the difference in this one.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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