La Liga R20 preview: Real Madrid host Valencia as Granada host Barca

January 7, 2022

SuperSport viewers on DStv and GOtv can look forward to a classic La Liga rivalry, as Real Madrid play host to Valencia at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on the evening of Saturday 8 January 2022.

DStv and GOtv is the only true home of football in Africa, offering a range and depth of action that no other rival can match – it’s literally ‘Unbeatable Football’! If you’re going to spend your money on something, it may as well be on the best football in the world.

SuperSport is also the only place to get English commentary on the legendary La Liga, where Los Blancos have established themselves as the clear favourites to win the Spanish championship this season, while Los Che are looking to finish in the top six and make a return to European competition.

“They’re a solid side with individual and collective quality. We’ll have to put together a good game plan to give us an advantage in our play and in the game,” said Real manager Carlo Ancelotti. “There are another games, moments and runs during the season and I’m not going to put more pressure on this game. That pressure is good for us. We’re confident because we’re performing well.”

Valencia boss Jose Bordalas, meanwhile, wants to see his side embrace the challenge and keep on developing: “We have had some good results toward the end of 2021, and now we must carry that form into 2022. We know the test that awaits us in our first game of the year against Real Madrid, but I hope we see a positive outcome.”

Key players

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Luka Modric – The Croatian playmaker remains vital to Real Marid, helping establish the team’s rhythm and passing patterns in the middle of the park. Modric will look to get on the ball early and dictate terms against Valencia.

Goncalo Guedes – The winger/forward has been one of Valencia’s most effective players this season, with the 25-year-old using his pace and movement to full effect. He would love to underline the good work he has done in 2021-22 with a strong showing against Real Madrid.

Head-to-head stats

In head-to-head terms, Real and Valencia have met in 62 matches across all competitions dating back as far as 1993. Los Blancos have claimed 34 wins compared to 14 for Los Che, with 14 games drawn.

Real beat Valencia 2-1 away from home when the teams met earlier this season, in September 2021, with Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema scoring late goals for the capital-city club after Hugo Duro’s opened for the hosts.

Battles to watch

Carlo Ancelotti v Jose Bordalas – Bordalas set up Valencia to frustrate Real when the teams last met, and Ancelotti will need to ensure that his charges are able to break free of their opponent’s defensive approach.

David Alaba v Maxi Gomez – The Austrian defender has enjoyed a fine first campaign with Real Madrid and will look forward to the energetic and determined challenge offered by Valencia’s Uruguayan striker Maxi Gomez.

Karim Benzema v Mouctar Diakhaby – An all-French clash, Diakhaby will have the tough task of trying to quell the threat of Benzema, who has continued his excellent scoring form and even netted the decisive goal when these teams last met.

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