Starting XI Valencia - Real Madrid

Real Madrid starts the year 2025 facing Valencia CF at Mestalla in the twelfth round of LaLiga. The game, which was scheduled for last November 2nd, had to be postponed due to the DANA that affected Comunidad Valenciana.

Getting the three points in January's first game is crucial for Carlo Ancelotti's team. Real Madrid could reach the top spot in a month where they'll face up to four competitions: Liga, Cup, Spanish Super Cup, and Champions League.

The white team ended last year with great feelings after convincingly defeating Sevilla FC (4-2) at the Bernabéu. To continue the good momentum, Real Madrid will have to defeat a Valencia CF that's not going through its best moment.

Real Madrid's line-up against Valencia CF

Ancelotti presents a line-up with certain surprises in Madrid's visit to Mestalla. The Italian, to no one's surprise, continues to choose Thibaut Courtois as the goalkeeper. However, the first change can be seen in defense: Eduardo Camavinga remains at left wing, benching Ferland Mendy.

The back four will consist of Lucas Vázquez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antonio Rüdiger, and Eduardo Camavinga. Meanwhile, the midfield will be for Dani Ceballos, Fede Valverde, and Jude Bellingham.

Finally, Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Jr. will occupy the attacking positions. Additionally, players like Arda Güler, Luka Modric, Brahim Díaz, Raúl Asencio, or Endrick will wait for their chance from the bench.

In summary: Thibaut Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antonio Rüdiger, Eduardo Camavinga; Dani Ceballos, Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Jr.

Vinícius Jr.'s return to Mestalla

Vinícius Jr. will return to Mestalla for another season. However, everything suggests that the atmosphere the Brazilian will receive will be different from other seasons.

The Brazilian striker will surely be booed by the local fans, but the environment he'll have to endure will be milder. Vinícius Jr. was among the first players to show his support for the Comunidad Valenciana and to make a financial donation after what happened with the DANA.

In fact, several players from Real Madrid personally and anonymously helped the city of Valencia.

Now, the tension between the fans and the Brazilian seems to have taken a back seat. Vinícius Jr. comes to Valencia to play another soccer match, not to engage in a battle with the stands and the surroundings of Mestalla.

The Real Madrid star will play his first match of the year 2025 after resting in the last one of 2024 against Sevilla FC. "He's come back well, and he's made good use of the vacation period. He's fresh, motivated, and very excited about the awards he's won in recent days," commented Carlo Ancelotti when asked about Vini Jr.

Vinícius Jr. has scored 13 goals and provided nine assists in 20 matches. Today, against one of his favorite victims, he'll look to increase those numbers and help the team achieve a victory that seems very important.