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A crucial La Liga fixture takes place at Mestalla this Saturday as relegation-threatened Valencia battle high-flying Atletico Madrid. While Valencia desperately fight for survival, Atletico are within touching distance of the league summit, making this a must-win clash for both sides.

Interesting Fact:

Valencia have not finished outside La Liga’s top division since 1986 but now find themselves in the bottom three.

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Team Analysis

Valencia

Valencia remain in serious danger of dropping out of La Liga, sitting 18th with just 23 points from 24 games. However, Carlos Corberan’s side have shown signs of improvement, picking up seven points from their last three league outings.

Current Form:

🏆 Last 5 matches: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss
⚽ Last match: 1-1 draw vs. Villarreal (A)

Key Players:

• Hugo Duro – Valencia’s top scorer with seven league goals.
• Luis Rioja – Five goals this season, four of which have been match openers.
• Giorgi Mamardashvili – The goalkeeper will need to be at his best against Atletico’s firepower.

Injuries & Suspensions:

❌ Thierry Correia (knee injury)
✅ Enzo Barrenechea returns from suspension

Home Form (La Liga):

🏟 Played: 12
✅ Wins: 5
🤝 Draws: 3
❌ Losses: 4

Valencia are unbeaten in three home matches, including victories over Celta Vigo and Leganes.

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Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid have a golden opportunity to go top of La Liga before Real Madrid and Barcelona play their fixtures. Diego Simeone’s men are third in the table, just one point behind both title rivals. However, last week’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Celta Vigo means they cannot afford another slip-up.

Current Form:

🏆 Last 5 matches: 2 wins, 3 draws
⚽ Last match: 1-1 draw vs. Celta Vigo (H)

Key Players:

• Antoine Griezmann – Eight La Liga goals this season, leading Atleti’s attacking threat.
• Alexander Sørloth – Nine goals in the league, including a vital equaliser last weekend.
• Julián Álvarez – The Argentine continues to adapt but remains an attacking force.

Injuries & Suspensions:

❌ Pablo Barrios (suspension)
❌ Samuel Lino (doubtful – muscle issue)

Away Form (La Liga):

🏟 Played: 11
✅ Wins: 5
🤝 Draws: 4
❌ Losses: 2

Atletico have struggled for consistency on the road but remain strong defensively.

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Head-to-Head & Past Encounters

✅ Atletico Madrid 3-0 Valencia – Sep 2024, La Liga
✅ Atletico Madrid 3-1 Valencia – Mar 2024, La Liga
✅ Valencia 3-0 Atletico Madrid – Sep 2023, La Liga

🔹 Key Stats:

• Valencia have won just one of their last six league matches against Atletico Madrid.
• Atletico Madrid have kept clean sheets in their last two league meetings with Valencia.
• Mestalla has been a tricky venue for Atleti, with Valencia winning this fixture last season.

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Prediction

⚽ Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Valencia 1-2 Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid are too strong in attack and should edge this match, but Valencia’s recent form suggests they will put up a fight.

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Betting Tips

📌 Both Teams to Score: Yes
Valencia have scored in four of their last five home matches.

📌 Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 Goals
Atletico’s last three away games have produced at least three goals.

📌 Anytime Goalscorer: Antoine Griezmann
The Frenchman remains Atleti’s key goal threat.

📌 Half-Time Result: Atletico Madrid to Lead
Simeone’s side often start strong and look to control games early.

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Possible Lineups

Valencia (4-5-1):

Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Tarrega, Mosquera, Gaya; D. Lopez, Guerra, Barrenechea, Pepelu, Almeida; Duro

Atletico Madrid (4-4-2):

Oblak; Llorente, Gimenez, Le Normand, Galan; Simeone, De Paul, Koke, Gallagher; Griezmann, Alvarez

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