Real Madrid vs Valencia
After competing in the World Cup in Qatar just a few weeks ago, Real Madrid’s stars will return to the Middle East – this time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – to take on Valencia in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup.
Los Blancos, who are the tournament’s defending champions after defeating Barcelona and Athletic Club last season, will come into this year’s competition coming off a stinging defeat to Villarreal, which has seen them drop three points behind rivals Barcelona in the La Liga table.
As for Valencia, their struggles continued as they were stunned at home by relegation-threatened Cadiz, turning up the pressure even more on coach Gennaro Gattuso.
Talking Points
Real Madrid reeling from Villarreal defeat
Real Madrid were sunk by the Yellow Submarine over the weekend as they went down 2-1. The champions were comfortably outplayed by their hosts, with Gerard Moreno getting the better of Karim Benzema in their striker duel.
Benzema scored once again from the penalty spot as he has now scored three goals in his two games since returning from injury. But the 35-year-old Frenchman still isn’t quite up to full speed and could be rested as he works his way back to top form.
Meanwhile, Aurelien Tchouameni and Luka Modric both had poor games and were substituted in the second half. The two midfielders were rested against Real Valladolid, but they may still be a bit leggy after going deep into the World Cup with their respective nations.
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti will likely make a number of changes to his squad as he looks to find a spark after their subpar performance against the Yellow Submarine.
The likes of Marco Asensio, Rodrygo, and Eduardo Camavinga all came on as substitutes against Villarreal and may get the chance to start in Saudi Arabia.
Rodrygo has been much more effective when starting this season. Seven of his eight goals this season have come as a starter.
Valencia’s struggles continue
Valencia have not come back strong after the break. They’ve lost back-to-back matches away to Villarreal (2-1) and at home against relegation-threatened Cadiz (0-1).
Valencia have now won just one of their last eight La Liga matches, with three draws and four defeats as they have dropped to the bottom half of the standings in 11th. The pressure will continue to mount on first-year head coach Gennaro Gattuso unless he can turn things around.
Edinson Cavani is having a decent debut season at Valencia. The 35-year-old is Los Che’s leading scorer with five goals in nine starts this season, although two of those goals have come from the penalty spot.
Meanwhile, Samuel Lino has been a surprisingly strong addition in his first season at the club. The 23-year-old Brazilian has played in all 16 La Liga games thus far and has launched 45 shots with 18 on target, which are both second in the division behind only Barca’s Robert Lewandowski.
Samuel Lino is tied with fellow forwards Justin Kluivert and Samu Castillejo with two goals this season. But with Castillejo suffering a broken wrist in the loss to Cadiz, Kluivert will get the chance to create some Spanish Super Cup 2023 highlights against Real.
History
Real Madrid have gotten the better of Valencia in La Liga over recent years. Los Blancos have a 15-5 advantage in wins, with seven draws.
Real did the double over Valencia last season, winning 2-1 at the Mestalla before running out 4-1 winners at the Bernabeu.
The star duo of Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr certainly enjoyed facoing Valencia. The two had three goals each as they combined to score all six of Real’s goals in the two games.
In terms of the Spanish Super Cup, the two last met in 2020, with Real again coming out on top, 3-1, thanks to goals from Toni Kroos, Isco, and Luka Modric.
Meanwhile, Real won last year’s Spanish Super Cup after beating Barcelona in the semis and Athletic Bilbao in the final. Karim Benzema scored in both games.
Betting Tip
SBOTOP Spanish Super Cup 2023 odds have Real Madrid installed as significant 1.52 favourites to get past Valencia in the semi-finals. Los Che are priced at 6.00, while a draw is 3.95.
Real have not been quite at their best since returning from the World Cup break, and after just returning from the Middle East, taking another long trip is the last thing many of Real’s stars want to do.
Meanwhile, Valencia might be a bit more motivated for this one as they look to get back on track after their recent struggles.
With all that in mind, I expect a more competitive game than many might think, and one that will likely not have all too many goals.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
