Real Madrid vs Valencia CF Lineups – Confirmed XIs Injuries News

Real Madrid travel to Mestalla Stadium on February 8, 2026, for a crucial La Liga Matchday 23 encounter against Valencia CF. The fixture presents Carlo Ancelotti’s side with an opportunity to extend their momentum following recent victories over Barcelona, while Valencia look to capitalize on home advantage despite significant personnel challenges.

The match, scheduled for 9:00 pm CEST, sees both managers navigating complex selection puzzles. Real Madrid confirmed their starting eleven through official channels shortly before kickoff, revealing tactical adjustments in defense and midfield. Valencia, meanwhile, rely on former Madrid striker Hugo Duro to lead their attack against his parent club’s bitter rivals.

This fixture represents a critical juncture in the La Liga campaign, with Real Madrid seeking to maintain pressure at the top of the table and Valencia aiming to secure valuable points at their home ground.

What are the predicted lineups for Real Madrid vs Valencia CF?

The confirmed starting elevens reveal distinct tactical approaches from both camps. Real Madrid deploy a fluid system anchored by Thibaut Courtois in goal, while Valencia trust Georgian international Giorgi Mamardashvili between the posts—though official sources list Stole Dimitrievski as the starting goalkeeper for this fixture.

• Kylian Mbappé leads the line for Real Madrid supported by Arda Güler and Gonzalo in wide positions
• Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméné form the midfield double pivot
• Hugo Duro, on loan from Getafe but formerly of Real Madrid’s academy, starts as Valencia’s central striker
• Arnaut Danjuma operates on Valencia’s left flank with José Gaya providing width from left-back
• Edoardo Camavinga fills an advanced midfield role for the visitors
• Raúl Asencio and Dean Huijsen partner in central defense for Real Madrid

The official lineup announcement confirmed David Jiménez at right-back for Real Madrid, with Álvaro Carreras on the opposite flank. Valencia’s defensive line features Mouctar Foulquier, Cenk Özkacar, and Cristhian Mosquera supporting Gaya.

What are the injuries and suspensions for Real Madrid vs Valencia?

Real Madrid Absences

Carlo Ancelotti’s squad travels to the east coast without two key Brazilian attackers. Vinicius Junior serves a mandatory suspension following accumulated yellow cards, removing a primary creative outlet from the left wing. Rodrygo remains absent through injury, further depleting the attacking options.

Valencia Fitness Concerns

Valencia manager Rubén Baraja faces significant defensive selection headaches. Team news updates confirm Mouctar Diakhaby misses out with a hamstring injury, while Thierry Correia faces a late fitness test for the same complaint. Cristian Rivero is suspended.

What is the head-to-head record and preview for Real Madrid vs Valencia?

Tactical Configuration

Real Madrid’s setup suggests a emphasis on midfield control, with Camavinga pushing forward to support the front three while Valverde and Tchouaméné screen the defense. Valencia’s system relies heavily on transition moments, utilizing Danjuma’s pace on the counter and Duro’s movement within the penalty area.

Broadcast and Viewing Details

Domestic audiences can access the fixture through Orange TV and DAZN. The 9:00 pm local start time positions the match as the evening’s headline fixture in the Spanish top flight schedule.

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When were the lineups and team news announced?

1. 72 Hours Before Kickoff: Initial injury assessments released, confirming Diakhaby’s unavailability and Correia’s doubtful status for Valencia.
2. 48 Hours Before Kickoff: Sports Mole publishes predicted lineups suggesting Alexander-Arnold’s inclusion and Danjuma’s positioning on the left wing.
3. Matchday Morning: Real Madrid confirm Vinicius Junior’s suspension through official channels.
4. One Hour Before Kickoff: Official starting XIs released simultaneously by both clubs, confirming Dimitrievski, Foulquier, Comert, Copete, and Gaya for Valencia, with Courtois, Jiménez, Asencio, Huijsen, and Carreras for Real Madrid.

What is confirmed and what remains uncertain?

How does this fixture fit into the broader La Liga context?

Real Madrid enter the contest riding high from recent victories, including a significant triumph over Barcelona that solidified their title credentials. The absence of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo nonetheless tests the squad depth, forcing Ancelotti to rely on emerging talents like Arda Güler and the experienced Gonzalo to support Mbappé.

Valencia’s season narrative centers on consolidation and survival. The defensive injury crisis exacerbates their challenge against Madrid’s potent attack, requiring disciplined performances from Comert and Copete in central defense. The inclusion of former Madrid man Duro adds narrative intrigue if not necessarily tactical advantage against his former employers.

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What have the clubs confirmed officially?

Both clubs issued formal team sheets via their digital platforms approximately sixty minutes before kickoff. Real Madrid’s communication emphasized the inclusion of youth products alongside established stars, while Valencia’s release highlighted the return of experienced campaigners in key positions.

Real Madrid’s starting XI: Courtois, David Jiménez, Asencio, Huijsen, Á. Carreras, Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, Camavinga, Mbappé, Gonzalo.

— Real Madrid Official Website, February 8, 2026

Valencia’s starting XI: Dimitrievski, Foulquier, Comert, Copete, Gaya, Rioja, Urginic, Pepelu, Danjuma, Beltran, Duro.

— Real Madrid Official Website (Valencia Lineup Confirmation), February 8, 2026

Historical statistical context remains available through Transfermarkt’s head-to-head database, though specific recent fixture data was not provided in current pre-match materials.

What defines this Real Madrid vs Valencia encounter?

This La Liga fixture balances Real Madrid’s title-chasing ambitions against Valencia’s battle with availability constraints. The confirmed lineups reveal Ancelotti’s faith in young defensive options Asencio and Huijsen, while Valencia place their faith in Duro’s predatory instincts and Gaya’s leadership from the back. With key suspensions on both sides, the match becomes a test of squad depth and tactical flexibility under the lights at Mestalla.

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