Valence CF is set to face off against Atlético de Madrid this Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 18:30, at the iconic Estadio de Mestalla. The match is pivotal not just for the teams involved but also for their respective ambitions for the season. While Atlético Madrid aims for the top of La Liga, Valence battles to escape the relegation zone.
The Colchoneros, as Atlético is affectionately known, have shown strength this season, solidifying their position as title contenders. Despite two consecutive draws—against their rival Real Madrid and Celta Vigo—they are only one point away from reaching the top of the table. With 14 matches left to play, everything remains possible for Diego Simeone's men, though some fans might grow concerned as Antoine Griezmann has struggled recently, scoring only once since early February.
On the other hand, Valence has managed to claw its way back from the brink of relegation, earning recent victories and now sits precariously at the 18th spot, just shy of safety. With only 23 points on the table, they share points with Las Palmas, the first team outside the relegation zone. Addressing this, Carlos Corberan has stated, "Carlos Corberan est en train de réussir le pari fou de maintenir Valence dans l'élite du football espagnol," referring to the challenging yet necessary fight for survival.
Valence’s recent form has seen them garner 10 important points over their last five matches, indicating signs of revival after operating at the tail end of the league for most of the season. Their statistical record includes five wins at home, three draws, and four losses, showcasing their potential to make their home turf, Estadio de Mestalla, formidable once again.
This upcoming clash is also made more thrilling by previous encounters. Historically, Atlético has capitalized on its games against Valence, winning 5 of their last 6 meetings. Last season, the two teams contested fiercely, but the last meeting occurred on September 15, where Atlético handed Valence a harsh defeat, winning 3-0 thanks to goals from Griezmann, Conor Gallagher, and Julian Alvarez.
Looking at the stats, Atlético holds the best defensive record this season, having conceded only 16 goals across 24 matches, which is likely to put Valence's attacking capabilities to the test on Saturday. The last-minute odds for the match favor Atlético, with predictions strongly indicating they are the likely victors. It is noted by predictors: "L'Atlético Madrid est la bête noire de Valence depuis 10 ans..." highlighting their historical dominance over the club from Valencia.
All eyes will be on Mestalla as the excitement builds. Fans across Spain and beyond will be tuning in, hoping to catch the action live on BeIN Sports 4. The stage is set for what promises to be another exhilarating chapter in La Liga as two sides with drastically different goals collide.
Given the stakes, the matchup could prove pivotal not only for Valence to avoid relegation but for Atlético to maintain their iron grip at the top of the league. Predictions hover heavily around the possibility of Atlético winning yet again, potentially leaving Valence fighting for their status as they near the final stretch of the season.