Valencia vs Real Madrid prediction, odds and how to watch

Racing Santander made nine saves and competed like their lives depended on it, but Valencia nicked a point they barely earned. Two sides who cannot defend. One result that helps neither of them.

Real Madrid ground out a 1-0 win over Villarreal at the Bernabeu, with Yan Diomande's 62nd-minute goal proving decisive, but the night belonged to VAR, red cards, and a dressing room that cannot keep its discipline.

Valencia are wobbling badly and Real Madrid are coming to Mestalla with a perfect head-to-head record between these two sides. This could get ugly.

AEK Athens arrive at this fixture having kept three clean sheets from three Champions League outings. Real Madrid arrive having shipped seven goals in their last three. Something has to give.

Elche host Valencia on Sunday with both sides in desperate form and neither able to keep a clean sheet. Something has to give, but right now there is very little evidence either side knows how to stop the bleeding.

Real Madrid travel to Santander on Sunday carrying a wobble in their recent form and a lengthy injury list. Racing have been shipping goals at an alarming rate, but they will fancy their chances of making this uncomfortable.

Dani Carvajal's free transfer to Getafe has been confirmed, but only after LaLiga reportedly blocked the deal days earlier over concerns his declared salary breached the division's financial fair play rules. The move marks the end of a 23-year, 27-trophy Real Madrid career ended by injuries and Trent Alexander-Arnold's arrival.

Jose Mourinho called criticism of Kylian Mbappe's international break conduct 'ridiculous' and confirmed the France captain starts for Real Madrid, despite a bicycle photo that contradicts his own long-standing club rules. The real story is a manager reasserting control while protecting his Ballon d'Or-chasing star six points off the pace in La Liga.