A hot Mestalla without its main protagonist
Real Madrid faces a complicated scenario this Sunday in Valencia. He will travel without two of his most decisive men: Vinícius Júnior, due to suspension, and Jude Bellingham, due to injury.
Vini will miss the game after seeing his fifth yellow card of the season against Rayo. A great goal from him gave the three points, but the afternoon was once again tinged with controversy. He was booed by part of the white fans at the Bernabéu and then criticized for his trip to Paris on days off.
The Brazilian forward was expected to face a difficult crowd in Valencia, where three years ago he was the target of racist insults.
The visit to the Mestalla is always special for him. Since that unfortunate racist episode, the ché fans greet him with whistles every time he steps on the grass. This time, at least, he won’t be on the field to hear them.
The unexpected loss that hurts the most
If Vinícius’s was predictable, Bellingham’s is a hard blow. The Englishman injured his left hamstring against Rayo and will be out for several weeks. The team has not given specific deadlines, but his absence will be noted.
Curiously, Bellingham had also recently been criticized by some Real Madrid fans. Football gives no respite, neither physically nor mentally.
The good news is that Álvaro Arbeloa recovers important defenses: Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger and Mendy are ready to return. And Mbappé will be there, with an impressive streak of eight goals in five games, to try to make up for the lack of offensive fire.
The context: white streak against injured Valencia
Madrid arrives with six consecutive victories in the League. Their last defeat was in December. They visit a sunk Valencia: 16th in the table and eliminated from the Copa del Rey with a goal in the 96th minute against Athletic.
A perfect setting for a trap. Without Vini and without Jude, they will have to show that this team is more than two stars. That is the true test of a champion.
