Valencia vs Levante: Derby Day Desperation in La Liga’s Relegation Battle
The electric atmosphere of the Valencia Derby is set to ignite Mestalla once more as Valencia CF host city rivals Levante UD in a pivotal La Liga showdown. This isn’t just about local bragging rights; it’s a high-stakes battle at the wrong end of the table, with both sides desperate to claw their way out of the relegation mire. This Friday evening fixture promises to be a captivating encounter as the pressure mounts for a much-needed victory for both Valencia CF and Levante UD.
Valencia’s Quest for a Much-Needed Victory
Los Che find themselves in an unfamiliar and precarious 17th position in the La Liga table, a stark contrast to their historical stature. With only 10 points from their opening 12 matches of the 2025-26 season, their campaign has been plagued by inconsistency. A victory in this crucial Valencia vs Levante clash is not just desired, it’s essential to kickstart their season.
It’s been over two months since Valencia last tasted victory in Spain’s top flight, a worrying statistic for a club of their caliber. Since then, they’ve endured four defeats and three draws in La Liga. While a commanding 5-0 win over Maracena in the Copa del Rey offered a brief respite, the league form remains a significant concern. However, a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Real Betis just before the international break could serve as a potential springboard, offering a glimmer of hope and renewed determination.
Valencia’s Form Guide (All Competitions):
- La Liga: LLDLLD
- All Competitions: LDLWLD
Levante UD: Fighting for Survival After Promotion
Newly promoted as Segunda Division champions, Levante UD are battling hard to establish themselves in the top flight. Currently 19th with 9 points, they sit just one point behind their derby rivals, making this Valencia vs Levante fixture even more significant. The ‘Frogs’ have shown flashes of potential early in the campaign, particularly away from home, where they’ve impressively secured eight of their nine La Liga points this season.
Julian Calero’s side has managed two wins, three draws, and seven defeats in their 12 matches. They’ve found the net 16 times, with the highly sought-after Etta Eyong impressing many, attracting attention from top European clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Barcelona. However, their defensive record is a cause for concern, having conceded 23 goals.
Levante’s Form Guide (All Competitions):
- La Liga: DWLDLL
- All Competitions: WLDWLL
A Storied Derby: Valencia vs Levante Head-to-Head
The Valencia Derby has a rich history, with Valencia holding the superior record of 21 wins, 9 draws, and 8 defeats in 38 encounters against Levante. However, past glories count for little when current form and desperation are concerned. The last meeting between the teams ended in a 1-1 draw in April 2022.
Interestingly, Levante’s last league success over Valencia was a 1-0 victory in March 2021, and they have never managed to overcome their rivals at Mestalla in a league fixture. This historical statistic adds another layer of intrigue, as Levante will be desperate to break their Mestalla duck, while Valencia will aim to maintain their dominance on home turf.
Crucial Team News and Predicted XIs
Valencia Team News:
Carlos Corberan’s side will once again be without Mouctar Diakhaby due to a hamstring issue. Dimitri Foulquier and Filip Ugrinic are also expected to miss out with injury problems. Largie Ramazani is a doubt, having missed the last five matches with a persistent muscular problem. Corberan might make just one change from the side that drew with Real Betis, potentially introducing Hugo Duro into the final third.
Valencia Possible Starting Lineup: Agirrezabala; Correia, Tarrega, Copete, Gaya; Lopez, Guerra, Pepelu, Danjuma; Duro, Almeida
Levante Team News:
For Levante, Pablo Martinez remains sidelined due to an ankle problem. However, Unai Vencedor is set to return after serving a suspension. Ivan Romero, who recovered from injury and was on the bench last time out, is expected to start alongside the prolific Etta Eyong in attack.
Levante Possible Starting Lineup: Ryan; Toljan, Dela, Moreno, Sanchez; Alvarez, Elgezabal, Arriaga, Olasagasti; Romero, Eyong
Match Prediction: A Tense Valencia Derby
This Valencia vs Levante fixture is incredibly difficult to call. Levante’s commendable away form this season clashes with Valencia’s desperate need for a home win to escape the lower reaches of the table. We are expecting some goals, largely due to Levante’s attacking intent and Valencia’s recent struggles at the back.
While it will undoubtedly be a tight and fiercely contested derby, the immense pressure on Valencia at Mestalla, coupled with their slight historical edge in this fixture, might just push them to navigate their way to all three vital points. Expect a nervy affair, but Valencia could just edge it.
